Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 6
Page 16
Brook wanted to be with the ladies in town more after she learned enough English to communicate better. She missed her family back home but she had found that all the ladies she met were very friendly. She had gotten to know Elizabeth, Dee, Violet, and Minnie personally and felt encouraged, so she went back to Bible Study and found herself able to contribute to the conversations.
So, when Luciana asked for food donations for their upcoming community Thanksgiving they had discussed what they all might bring. Brook had been asked by many that they would love to taste an Indian dish. When she heard a brief pause in the conversation, she offered, "I would like to bring a dish my mother taught me that is very common in her Cree tribe, succotash."
"What's in it?" Rosemary asked.
"Mainly beans, squash, and corn. I hope you will like it," Brook answered looking around at everyone.
"Perfect!" Dee smiled, "Just in time with harvesting!"
Brook returned her smile with a nod, "All right, I will make plenty!"
"Enough to feed a town?" Minnie laughed.
One by one the ladies rattled off to Luciana's delight what dish they were bringing. Since Ted Gleixner was with Archie playing cards, that allowed Bertie and Emily to be able to come to the Bible Study.
When Emily announced that she was bringing her apple strudel the ladies stopped talking and sighed, "Oh just what we wanted to hear," they said excitedly.
"You must give me your recipe, Emily," Bertie told her.
"Well, why don't you come over and help me bake it? I could use help as I'm getting slower every day," Emily suggested with a wink.
"Sure thing, I'd love to help," Bertie agreed.
Luciana looked up from her list happily and spoke, "I think we have a great variety of dishes; it should be a smorgasbord of international cuisine!"
Fiona popped in just in time before their study began to add that James Scholl would be happy to coordinate the two choirs together for entertainment. "You know James, he loves music and is more than happy to help out."
Dee reminded Fiona, "Don't forget to talk to Mr. Landis about the children's music and band. I'm sure they'd like to help!"
When the chatter finally quieted down, Minnie led them all in prayer asking for a successful study and a wonderful Thanksgiving. She also happily announced, "Pastor Joseph will be baptizing the Andersson twin girls this weekend, so you'll see Elsa and Will's family about town."
Over in Buxton, Bill was searching for Melanie Forester. He stopped by the RCMP office to talk with Constable Christopher Herrmann and caught him up on what he found out when he talked with his cousin, Peter.
"So, from what Peter tells me he knew about the bootlegging but was not involved in the operation. He was told to keep quiet, or he'd lose his job."
"That shouldn't have stopped him from getting out from there," Christopher suggested.
"Yes, but Peter made good money, especially with tips, that he didn't want to give up the income," Bill started to explain.
"Sounds like he must've made some darn good money to keep him there."
"With the likes of those crooks, they took care of him financially," Bill agreed.
"Still, what about his family? Didn't he feel obligated to do right by them?
"Apparently, he was getting a divorce and his children are all grown and on their own. I wish he would've come to me before he got in this mess," Bill shook his head.
Christopher laughed, "Come to you, Bill? He knew you would be judgmental, like a judge, so I can understand him not telling you."
"Why? I'm not that bad, am I?"
Christopher snickered, "Not bad, but admit it Bill, you can come across a bit, well harsh, shall we say? Anyway, how is this Melanie Forester lady connected?"
Bill told him that she waitressed at the same place and was friends with Peter, "Do you know her?"
"I've heard the name, but I was gone here for a while when I retired. But when I came back now there's new folks in town that I haven't met. Let's go over to the Mayor's office now. I've been meaning to get a citizen roster from him anyway."
Christopher introduced Bill to Mayor Stan Conroy and was able to get a copy of the roster. After a few pleasantries, they walked over to the Buxton Cafe to go over the list and grab a bite to eat. It was easy to find Melanie's name and address but it had a line drawn through it. That surprised the men, and they wondered why it was crossed off.
"Bill, let's drive over to this address and see what we can find. It seems like something is not right."
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When Constable Christopher Herrmann drove Bill to Melanie's house it looked desolate. The neighbors next door were outside raking leaves and stopped to watch Christopher and Bill hoping to find out what was going on. Bill nodded at the couple as he followed Christopher up the stairs to the front door. While Christopher was knocking at the door, Bill looked around closely inspecting the area.
"No one is answering," Christopher said, "and the door is locked."
"And the drapes are drawn. Let's take a look around," Bill suggested.
The two men went to the side of the house and found a window low to the ground. Looking in, they saw the furniture in the living room. The sofa and dining room table seemed to be in place. There was one thing that caught Bill's attention and it was a lamp on a table next to the sofa.
"Look at the lamp, Christopher," Bill pointed.
Holding his hands around his face to block the outside light Christopher leaned in closer and peered inside. Looking closer he spotted the lamp and saw what Bill wanted him to see. The lamp was cracked and it didn't have a cord.
"See it?" Bill asked impatiently.
"Sure do Bill, but how in the hell did you notice that from outside here?"
"Hey, I was an Inspector remember?" Bill answered, "Let's see if we can get inside."
"I want to check the rest of the house," Christopher said.
As they walked around, they saw a dog chain on a tether in the back yard. There was also an empty dog bowl with leaves that had fallen in it from the tree above. The back door was unlocked so the two men went inside.
"Christopher, there's food on the stove that was never touched," Bill observed as he lifted the lid off the pot. "Oh wow, it's smells awful," he cringed as he slammed the lid down.
"The remains of the food lying on the counter have been attacked by flies," Christopher said as he swatted at them, "Definitely no one has been here in a while."
Walking into the living room they went straight to the lamp they were looking at and saw the cord had been ripped out.
"Why would the cord be ripped out, unless someone was using it to tie up something?"
"Or someone," Bill countered.
"We need to go upstairs, now." Christopher directed as he grabbed his pistol. "Stay down here, Bill. I've got this."
Looking upstairs as he took the stairs one by one Christopher called out, "Melanie? Melanie, we're the police, are you here?"
When there was no answer, Christopher went into both bedrooms searching for clues as to Melanie's whereabouts. "All clear," he called down to Bill.
Bill joined Christopher upstairs and the two men went through closets and looked under her bed and found a slipper. Nothing out of the ordinary caught their attention, until they took a double take and realized the rug in what probably was her bedroom seemed out of place with a few big wrinkles and a corner of the rug had turned over and lying on the top.
"Looks like maybe a scuffle took place," Bill suggested.
"Sure does."
"The way this is looking, it seems there's been some foul play going on here!"
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I sure hope she wasn't kidnapped!" Bill looked alarmed.
"I hope you're wrong, but let's see if the neighbors are still outside, maybe they saw or heard something," Christopher suggested.
The two men headed outside and were relieved to see the couple next door still outside. Going directly over to them, Christopher Herrmann asked if they could speak to them for a few minutes.
"Sure Constable, how can we help you," the old man asked.
Christopher explained, "This is Judge Bill Avery from Hope Valley."
"Pleasure to meet you," Bill greeted.
"I'm Ed Sinclair, and this here, is my bride, Agnes," he smiled.
"We're here looking for Melanie Forester. Do you know her?" Christopher asked.
"Oh, Melanie she is a sweet lady and a hard worker too. We were wondering where she's been," Agnes answered.
"So, she hasn't been home recently"? Bill inquired.
"Can't say I've seen her in quite some time." Ed answered.
Agnes added, "Her poor dog broke out of his chain and was wondering around, looking for her. I tried to call the poor thing over, but it ran away scared. So, I left out some scraps of meat and a bowl of water and it was gone when I looked later. I don't know who got it, but I sure hope it was that pup."
"Have you seen or heard anyone over here?"
Ed scratched his head, "Not for some time. The last time I saw anyone here, we were sitting outside on the porch. It was getting dark and we were having a cup of tea before we went to bed. Melanie had just taken her dog out before bedtime. Then, we saw an automobile pull up and a man knocked on her door."
"Yes, we were just going inside ourselves and thought it was a gentleman caller, but we were curious as to why he came to visit so late," Agnes added.
"I told my wife, it was none of our business, so we went inside to go to bed. No sooner had we gotten into bed when we heard loud talking and noise coming from Melanie's house. When we got up and looked out of our bedroom window we saw that man open his automobile door and put her in the car. The light in her house was out and the dog in the backyard was barking up a storm!"
"I wanted to go and check on the dog, but Ed here told me to stay put, so I did. The dog quieted down anyways, so we went to sleep. The next morning, the dog was in the back yard, so I figured Melanie had let him out like she usually did before she left for work," Agnes filled in.
"Did you see Melanie that next day?" Christopher asked.
"No, but we rarely saw her, like I said, she's a hard-worker," Agnes nodded.
"So, you haven't seen her since?" Bill checked.
Ed looked worried, "No, all we knew was the dog wasn't on his chain anymore, so we figured she was working."
"Until, we saw that dog wandering around the street, and that's when I decided I better feed him. Gee, I sure hope Melanie is all right," Agnes was worried too.
"I'm sure she is. Thanks for your help. If you think of anything else let me know please," Christopher said as he tipped his hat and left.
Getting back in the automobile to return to the RCMP office, Bill said anxiously, This doesn't look good, not good at all."
Page 18
Elsa was enjoying all of her family gathering together in her home with Will and the baby girls. Ingrid was busy weaving white satin ribbon and sewing on a touch of lace on the christening gowns that Lily remembered to bring with her. Julia and Greta were being lovingly taken care of by her Grandma Ingrid, Grandpa Lars, and Aunt Lily which gave Elsa and Will some well-deserved time alone but together. Elsa though was needed every few hours for feedings but she was able to get enough rest that she was able to keep up with the rest of the family.
"Love these little girls, they have Grandpa wrapped around their little fingers!" Lars laughed his hearty laugh.
Being a big man like all the Andersson lumberjacks were, each girl could fit in one hand so there were times Elsa saw her dad walking around with both girls sound asleep in his arms when they got a bit cranky. They would feel the warmth of his palms and just curl up and relax.
"Too bad we can't keep you and mom here!" Elsa laughed.
"We'd love to stay here honey," Lars told his daughter.
"But," Ingrid added, "I will stay for as long as I can."
Elsa hugged her mother and told her, "I love you, Mom! I don't what I would've done without you here with me."
Ingrid brushed Elsa's long hair out of her eyes and told her, "Elsa, your father understands, he wants me to stay, especially when he sees first-hand how much you need me now."
"Mom, that is so very kind of you, but I don't expect you to stay after the christening, really. I will adjust. Will will help too."
"Will? Surely you won't count on him to help honey. Will's working long hours and even though he loves you and the girls he will want a warm dinner and a place to rest," Ingrid shook her head no.
"Mom, I don't want you to feel obligated."
"Honey, that's what mothers do. We take care of our children, not as an obligation, but out of love. Now, sit down and turn around, so I can braid your hair."
Lily was listening and watching her mother and sister knowing that her sister truly appreciated her mother's help, but she could also see that Elsa wanted to prove to herself and her husband, that she could do it alone.
"Elsa, you might want to accept Mom's offer, it's hard on you and she won't be here for that much longer. We have Christmas coming and there will be plenty of preparations to take care of," Lily added.
Ingrid looked at Lily and winced. She brought up Christmas and she didn't want Elsa to feel any more sadness about living so far away, but it was too late.
"Oh, Christmas! I won't be with you all at Christmas. You'll miss the girls' first Christmas, oh no."
Ingrid rolled her eyes and then stopped brushing Elsa's hair. "Don't you worry we'll be sending you packages for opening. Just promise me to take have a family photograph taken. That's all I want for Christmas."
"Yes, and we'll telephone you, won't we mother?" Lily added.
"Of course, dear. Now, let's get your hair done for church. We don't want to be late," Ingrid said as she hugged her daughter.
"The new skirt mom sewed you looks lovely with your blouse. For just having twins you really are lovely," Lily complimented her sister.
"Thank you. Lily, I'm so happy you're with me too," Elsa reached for her sister's hand and squeezed it.
At the Community Church, the Johannson and Andersson families were sitting in the front rows. Pastor Joseph loved doing baptisms and everyone could tell. He was smiling from the minute he arrived greeting everyone and learning the names of who was who.
"Hello folks, I am so pleased that you have come all this way to be here for your granddaughter's christenings. It's wonderful to meet you," Joseph gave a hearty welcome.
"Lily, my sister is the Godmother for both of our girls," Elsa introduced her to Pastor Joseph.
Followed by "Noah, my brother is the Godfather for our girls," William announced.
The service was full even with the expansion of the church. It was filled up from wall to wall. Pastor Joseph's sermons brought many of his congregation back every Sunday, but more importantly, was his kind and compassionate personal outreach to those who were struggling. Even though he worked as the main foreman for Coulter he always made time for those who were hurting. The baptisms were a bit noisy as the girls didn't like to be woken up to have water poured on their heads, but when they listened to Pastor Joseph's loud but warm voice they stopped to find out where that voice was coming from and quit their fussing.
After the service was over, it seemed all of the church attendees wanted to see the babies as they crowded around the couple oohing and aahing as they peeked around. The family all went to Billees for a delicious luncheon while Elsa went upstairs to her in-laws' suite to take care of the girls' hungry tummies.
The day was such a delight and when it was time to go home and unwind, it was Elsa and William who fell sound asleep next to each other on the sofa. Ingrid and Lars smiled at each other seeing their daughter and husband happy and content.