Blue-Eyed Angel

Mort Metzger was a good cop, not the greatest policeman in the world but he gave his all to his job. He thought leaving New York while he was still relatively young was a great idea. His odds of being shot and killed at work decreased dramatically. Gangs of young people weren't throwing things at him and running away. Cabot Cove was relatively quiet but there were some definite characters in town. He learned so much his first year. He learned to pay attention to the gossip in town. He thought he knew it all but small towns are different from big cities.

For one thing, the rumor mill was brutal and fast. He didn't even bother reading the newspaper anymore. Just drop by the bakery or the diner and you'd catch all the news and speculation you needed. Stopping for a box of donuts first thing in the morning supplied him with the current rumors or grabbing a stack of pancakes and a cup of coffee at the diner was helpful to his investigations too.

Yes, he thought this place was the stuff dreams were made of. His solve rate was nearly one hundred percent and it filled him with pride, although he was careful not to brag or let it make him complacent.

Second year and he thought everything was fine. He had found his feet, planted firmly on the streets of downtown Cabot Cove, and knew most of the citizens in town. His wife, Adele, wasn't as fortunate. She complained about the quiet and the uninspired residents that didn't work out to stay in shape. There was only one bingo hall and it ran only on Saturday nights. The women were dull, the restaurants dull, and the planned activities dull. She was used to a large city where anything could be found, with more nearby neighbors than the entire population of Cabot Cove.

He had been blindsided and caught completely off guard today. He got off his shift early and headed home. He had wanted to fire up the grill and cook up a couple of steaks but he immediately noticed something was wrong. The house was too quiet. He walked into the bedroom calling for Adele and he saw the bed linens had been stripped from the bed. The nightstand on her side of the bed was cleared. No lamp or book, just an envelope with his name on it.

A feeling of dread rushed through him and he sat heavily on the bed while reading the letter inside. She had left him. His wife didn't want to live here but she could see that he was happy in this godforsaken town. She was staying with her sister in The Bronx until the divorce came through and then she was moving to Germany to train for a career as a personal trainer by an accredited gym. His heart broke. He loved Adele.

He hadn't said anything to anyone but it was all over town within a few days that his wife moved away for good. No one dared to ask him why but according to the gossip he overheard, Adele was upset over his long hours, she hadn't made many friends, and there was nothing to do in Cabot Cove. The pitying looks were annoying and he knew it would only take a few more weeks before the single women began making their moves on him. It didn't lift his spirits though. He thought about his wife all of the time. He didn't even marry until he was thirty-seven because he wanted to be sure. He was thankful no one was speaking directly to him about Adele leaving. There were plenty of nosy folks but no one was brave enough to risk jail and mention it to the sheriff.

So now he was standing on a bridge looking out over the water and wondering if it was late enough to go home. Home, where no one was waiting. He turned at the sound of footsteps.

Jessica Fletcher was concerned about Mort. The entire town was gossiping about the breakup of him and Adele. Somehow his wife had packed up all her belongings, leaving the majority of all the furniture behind without Mort even noticing.

She considered Mort a good friend and not just because he tolerated her 'help' when a murder was committed in Cabot Cove. While she hadn't been close to Adele, they were friendly acquaintances. She regretted not having them over for dinner now that it was too late. But it wasn't too late to check on Mort and see how he's doing.

It wasn't easy finding him either. He had been off duty for a couple of hours but he wasn't home, at the diner, or walking through town. He might have gone somewhere but she asked around and eventually found him near Peabody Park, standing on the bridge, staring at the water. He turned around and looked at her as she approached.

"I've been looking everywhere for you, Mort." She looked him over and noticed the fine lines around his eyes and the downturned mouth. "Why don't you come over for dinner? I have clam chowder and it will only take a minute to cook up some steaks."

"I'm not very hungry Mrs. F and even poorer company."

They both faced the water. "I know it's not easy for you, Mort but if you need a meal or a friendly face, I'm here."

"Thanks, Mrs. F. I appreciated it."

Neither spoke for a minute before Jessica squeezed his arm and walked away. It was going to take time to get used to Adele leaving.

The next couple of weeks were hectic for Mort. The town had to get ready for the Easter parade and afterward there was a huge egg hunt at the park in town so parking concerns were valid and a headache. If he was short tempered and snappish, he was forgiven by the citizens in town.

By the time the egg hunt was over and the crowds were dispersing, he was tossing back aspirin like it was candy. He heard raised voices and looked toward the park where two women were screaming at each other.

They were tugging on an Easter basket filled with paper grass and a few eggs. Several kids were crying nearby and one little tyke was sitting on the grass trying to take the wrapper off a chocolate bunny, ignoring the women.

"Hey, hey ladies, let's keep it down." Mort was annoyed and he hadn't even heard their excuses yet. "What's the problem?"

Both women began talking at the same time.

"Hold it!" Mort held up a hand and pointed at one of the women who had curly blonde hair. "You first."

"Why does she get to go first?" argued the other woman, a brunette with hair teased high.

"Because I said so," replied Mort. He turned back to the first woman. As he suspected, it was silly nonsense over the easter basket and who it belonged to after it had been abandoned by the original owner.

Teased hair didn't care to be ignored and she grabbed Mort's arm and began berating him.

Jessica and Seth had enjoyed the parade and the little ones collecting eggs had been amusing. One little guy would toddle along, pick up an egg, then toss it back and run off to find another one.

Seth had laughed and commented on the futility of egg hunts and trying to get the youngest children to actually put eggs in a basket.

"Don't you just want to hug them all?" smiled Jessica.

"Where you see adorable kittens and puppies, I see sticky hands, runny noses, and germs," grumped Seth. He turned toward the sound of angry voices. He gripped Jessica by the elbow and led her toward Mort and two women.

"...blind as a bat. If you're what's called law enforcement in this town, it's a wonder everyone hasn't moved away," argued teased hair.

"One more word out of you and I'll haul you in for being a public nuisance and disorderly conduct," reasoned Mort through gritted teeth.

The gathering crowd sucked in a deep breath as the woman continued. "I feel for your wife even though I doubt someone would have you!" Shock covered Mort's face before he looked away, taking a deep breath.

Jessica stepped in front of Mort. "How dare you! This is a civilized town which means we don't yell at people or disparage them because you disagree." She was feeling unusually defensive over Mort.

She didn't turn around to look at Mort. The fact that he hadn't cuffed her yet meant he was affected by her low blow. Thankfully more law enforcement arrived. Deputy Floyd McCallum placed one handcuff and reached for the woman's other arm. She began to wail loudly but no one came to her rescue. The other deputy, Andy Broom, started dispersing the lingering crowd.

Jessica turned toward Mort, taking in his downcast expression.

"Come with Seth and me to my house for lunch," offered Jessica.

Mort was looking at his feet but when Seth agreed with Jessica, he nodded and told them he would be by in a few minutes.

Jessica started for home at a brisk pace with Seth complaining about slowing down. "It's going to take him time to return the squad car, write out a report, and drive his car to your house, woman. Slow down!"

"Seth, he's hurting and I want to do something special for lunch," retorted Jessica. "Hurry up."

Jessica heated up leftover clam chowder on the stove while mixing up a batch of cornbread muffins. Mort loved those. While she would have served up a salad if it were only Seth having lunch with her, she made two large roast beef sandwiches and a smaller one for herself. Seth raised an eyebrow at her.

"Comfort food, Seth. I shouldn't have to explain it to you."

"Comfort food? When have you ever comforted me?"

"I'll remember those words the next time you're in the mood for a shore dinner," replied Jessica. "Now be nice to Mort and try to be sensitive."

"Sensitive?" barked Seth. "Why don't we just hold hands and sing 'Kumbaya' or something?"

They heard footsteps on the back porch and quieted down. There was a light knock on the door before Mort opened it.

Seth watched in disbelief and wondered if he fell down the rabbit hole as Jessica 'comforted' Mort. She was mollycoddling him! Serving him seconds and offering him a beer since he was off duty. He noticed she didn't offer him one.

He shook his head when Jessica insisted on fixing Mort a plate to take home for dinner. She took food from her freezer and packed it up for him. She also gave him an apple pie that Seth had been looking forward to eating himself.

Mort may have been looking down in the dumps when he arrived but an hour with Jessica hovering around him and he certainly perked up. It's a good thing he wasn't the jealous sort. She rubbed his arm twice! When he climbed the step stool to change the bulb in the ceiling fan, Jessica praised him as if he had climbed Mount Everest. Finally Mort stood to leave and Seth gave a silent sigh.

Of course, Jessica had to issue an invitation to dinner next Saturday. Then she hugged him goodbye! A hug! He never got a hug! Mort looked sheepish but pleased and Jessica smiled so brightly he wondered if she was auditioning for a toothpaste commercial.

Jessica closed the door after Mort left and looked at Seth. "I think that went very well. Did you notice he was happier?"

"I think that went very well," mimicked Seth. "I thought you were going to turn him over and powder his bottom after you diapered him."

"I did not treat him like a baby. I just wanted him to feel better." Jessica looked at Seth sternly. "You could have helped."

"I chaperoned, didn't I? For a minute I thought you were going to kiss him after that hug you gave him."

Jessica looked at him, unimpressed. "And here I was thinking you deserve a reward for being so understanding."

Seth immediately changed course. "I thought maybe asking Mort to go bowling Friday night. No reason for him to sit at home alone."

Jessica beamed and kissed his cheek. Seth thought he deserved a better kiss than that but he refrained from saying anything. A little kiss is better than no kiss at all.

The next few weeks were surreal for Seth. He and Jessica were on the precipice of a romantic relationship and he thought a little time together would tip them over the edge but he never got to spend any time alone with her. Mort was always with them. Jessica included him in everything. They had dinner together, watched movies together, and went hiking together. It wouldn't be so horrible if it didn't bring back memories of his brother, Richard, and their childhood friend, Molly, who ended up running away with his brother and breaking his heart.

It was almost as though Mort had a crush on Jessica now. He perked up whenever she was around otherwise he was morose and brooding. They were meeting up at the diner this morning. It was surprising because Jessica had been cooking breakfast every morning for Seth and Mort. Large breakfasts with bacon or sausage, eggs, hash browns, muffins or biscuits, fruit, even homemade donuts one day.

She was running errands for him too. Or he should say THEY were running errands for Mort. The sheriff wasn't fond of going into the shops and running into people at the moment so Jessica was buying his groceries, going to the cleaners, and getting take out while HE drove her around. Her mind was so preoccupied with making Mort feel better that nothing was happening between the two of them.

Jessica and Mort were already seated when he entered the diner. They looked chummy. Didn't she realize he was nearly ten years younger than her? Did that even matter? He unconsciously sucked in his stomach as he made his way over.

Greetings were exchanged and he placed his order with the waitress who had wandered over.

"Jess, thought you might want to do a little antiquing today," began Seth.

Jessica looked regretful. "I wish I had known yesterday. I invited Mort to go down to Portland to the gun show. Why don't you come with us?"

Seth stared at her. She hated gun shows. He asked her every year to attend and she always said no. He finally gave up and now she's asking him as if she thought it was a brilliant idea.

Jessica coughed delicately. "It would give me a chance to do a little research for my next book."

Seth rolled his eyes. "I'd love to go. Do you think they'll have a shooting range set up?" He and Mort began discussing weapons and their capabilities while Jessica listened with half an ear.

They left for the gun show immediately after breakfast. Seth insisted Jessica sit up front with Mort but was dismayed that he was basically forgotten in the back seat. Jessica and Mort chattered like magpies, well Jessica at least but he noticed Mort tended to ask her questions that kept her going on and on.

The gun exhibit was huge and he knew it would take most of the day to see everything. They separated at one point because he was interested in the weapons of World War Two. It hosted weapons used by various countries and he was even allowed to hold a few of them. A couple of hours passed and he decided to search for Jessica and Mort.

He found Mort animatedly discussing a Glock with a pretty young woman. She was definitely displaying interest in Mort and Seth noticed Mort occasionally glancing at her in return.

"I think he's warming up to her," whispered Jessica, in his ear.

"Ayuh," replied Seth. "It's only been four months though. Is the divorce even final?"

"Last month," answered Jessica. "Didn't you notice how depressed he became again."

"Nope, seems he's always depressed unless he's with you," grumbled Seth.

Jessica turned her head away and smiled. "Why Seth, you seem jealous."

"Jealous!" he whispered, loudly. "My woman is spending every free minute with a younger man, paying him compliments, and rubbing his arms and shoulders? Why should I be jealous?"

Jessica leaned into him and snaked her arm through his. "No reason at all," she agreed. Did he say his woman? She looked up as Mort approached.

"This is Angela Lane," he introduced. Mort and Jessica introduced themselves in return. "She's about to take her lunch hour and knows a great place we should try."

They agreed and headed out to the parking lot. The eating establishment turned out to be a hole in the wall with the best burgers the three Cabot Covers ever had. Seth and Jessica wasted no time talking and dug into their food. Mort and Angela flirted until Seth kicked Mort under the table and nodded toward his food. Mort hastily tucked in.

If you knew Mort, there were subtle signs that he was in a good mood. He was more energetic, he made jokes, and opened Jessica's door with a flourish when they dropped Angela back at the gun show.

They were on the highway back to Cabot Cove before Seth made a comment about the young lady.

"Sorry if we messed up plans for you, Mort." Seth winked. "We could have brought separate cars."

Mort smiled. "That's alright, Doc. She has to stay until the end and she said she wouldn't get home before midnight and has to return at seven in the morning."

"Did you at least get her phone number?" asked Jessica.

Mort's smile grew wider. "Her address too."

Seth and Jessica laughed.

"You don't think it's too soon, Mrs. F?" Mort looked serious for a moment.

"Too soon to marry? Yes. Too soon to go out for a few hours? Not at all," she smiled.

Seth let out a breath of air.

"Maybe you and the Doc can join us on a double date," suggested Mort, smirking at Seth.

Seth choked on air and began to cough.

"Good idea but we'd better take separate cars," replied Jessia, with a smirk of her own. "I wouldn't want to be the cause of not getting a good night kiss."

"Are we talking about a kiss for me or for Doc back there?" asked Mort.

Mort and Jessica laughed while Seth wheezed. When he caught his breath he couldn't help smiling. It seemed Mort was on the road to restoring his faith in women and Jessica had agreed to a double date tipping them over the edge and into a romantic territory. Maybe helping out Mort hadn't been so bad after all.