Meanwhile, Olivia and my parents headed our way after spotting us. Antonio caught up with them after his jockey led Sweet Life back to the stables. The Trio and their beaus found us and even Morty had returned, riding in Great-Grandma Tootsie’s arms, but looking restless.

  “That was so close,” Mitch said to Antonio.

  “Close won’t keep my stables going, unfortunately.” Antonio sounded discouraged, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

  “It’s okay, Tony.” Olivia rubbed his back. “He’ll win the next race.”

  “That’s what you said the last time.” He stepped forward until her arm fell away, then he massaged the back of his neck. The strain on his face was evident, and the gray in his hair more pronounced. “We can’t afford any more losses.”

  “What does Mark have to say?” I asked.

  Antonio’s expression pinched. “He can’t find anything wrong with him. I don’t know what more to do. Something has to change for us to stay in business.”

  “But your reputation is huge,” Jo said. “You must have other horses in the races and retired horses with stud fees to help out.”

  “Not when bad investments put a dent in my profits,” Antonio muttered. “Do you have a minute to—”

  Olivia quickly jumped in with, “Oh, nothing’s as bad as that.” She glanced at her watch. “Would you look at the time? We have other engagements we must attend to. I’m sure you all understand.” She turned to my parents. “Thank you for joining us, Vivian and Donald. It was a pleasure hosting you.” She looped her arm through Antonio’s and led him away, post haste. By the stiffness of her shoulders, she was none too happy with him. That didn’t surprise me. She was just like my mother. All about appearances.

  And it appeared Dolce Vita Stables wasn’t as well off as everyone thought.

  The next morning, I was shopping at Gretta’s Grocery. I had to stop eating out so much and attempt to learn how to cook. I wasn’t even that far along, and I already had to undo the top button of my shorts. Besides, what kind of mother would I be if I didn’t know how to cook? That made me think of my own mother. She didn’t raise me on takeout, but we did dine in fine restaurants frequently. And when we ate at home, we had a personal chef, a butler, a maid and a nanny.

  Not exactly a warm and fuzzy household.

  I smiled, thinking of my grandmother. Granny Gert was about as warm and fuzzy as they came. I would stay with her a lot because it felt like home. She prepared home-cooked meals with my favorite dessert, of course. Cookies! And tucked me in at night.

  That was the type of house I wanted for my child.

  Nodding my head once, I inhaled a deep breath and grabbed a shopping cart, waving to Gretta as I passed by her office. A lot of Divinity’s businesses chose to go with a theme when decorating. Many chose historical themes from Italy, Greece, and even the West. Gretta, however, had chosen flower power as her theme. Her floor was green, with yellow walls and flowers stenciled everywhere to the point of making one’s head spin.

  I could do this, I thought, inhaling a cleansing breath and ignoring the dizzying decor. I didn’t have to be like my mother. I could be any type of mother I wanted. And maybe my mother would turn out to be a better grandmother—er Mimi. I still had to have a talk with her and let her know how I had felt for years, and that I forgave her. Maybe then we could finally move forward into the relationship I had always dreamed about.

  I looked at my list and gasped. It was twice as long as the original one I had created last night. Mitch had added all sorts of things that were not on the outside perimeter of the store, aka the healthy section according to Gretta. Oh no, Mitch’s items were on the aisles in the center next to all the candy, cookies and chips. Grumpy Pants got hangry if he didn’t have his treats, yet he expected me to eat healthy because of the baby. How was that fair? I shook my head.

  I gathered all of the items on the outside section of the store, and then in a moment of weakness, I turned to the inside aisles. Maybe we could compromise and just get a few goodies, but if he thought he would be the only one eating them, he had another think coming. The store wasn’t busy this morning. I waved at a few of the Sewing Sisters and Knitting Nanas, but those were the only people I saw. My shopping was moving along quite nicely, and I didn’t feel like half as much an imposter as I thought I would.

  I was picking up the marshmallow cereal my husband had on the list, when I heard voices raise on the other side of the aisle. It sounded like two men. I couldn’t hear well enough, so I quietly made my way down the cereal aisle and moved to the end of the row, pretending to study the breakfast items on the endcap. I leaned to the side ever so slightly and peeked around the corner and blinked.

  Greg Gates was standing across from Michael McMasters, their shopping carts squaring off as if they were about to duel. I didn’t know what Greg Gates did for a living because he didn’t live in Divinity, but I knew Michael McMasters was the head of the Town Council and a highly respected member of the community.

  “You’re not going to get away with this,” Greg said and clenched his fists over the bar of his cart.

  Michael backed up a step and raised his hands up from his own cart in a non-threatening way. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I’m not buying that for a second.” Greg rolled his cart forward a couple inches. “You used Audra years ago when she was engaged to Sean O’Malley. She begged you for more than just an affair, but you coldly refused.”

  “You can’t prove a thing.” Michael stiffened his spine and adjusted his tie. “I’m married and have a child. Why would I jeopardize that?”

  “Because you’re a man of power. You love the attention it brings you, and the women who come along with that. You’re old, and Audra was beautiful. You didn’t deserve her. After you were through with her, you abandoned her, so she left Divinity.” Greg leaned forward and growled, “That’s when she met me.”

  “I’m not admitting to anything,” Michael replied like a true politician, “but even if I were to admit to this nonsense, that was years ago. Why bring it up now? Like you said, she moved on with you.”

  “The Psychic Fair wasn’t the first time Audra came back to Divinity. She came back a few months ago, and when she returned, she grew distant from me. We started having problems, and she pushed me away. I knew something had happened in Divinity, but she wouldn’t tell me the truth.”

  “That has nothing to do with me. I heard you thought she had an affair with Sean O’Malley. Why don’t you harass him instead of bothering an innocent man?”

  “I did.” Greg laughed harshly. “Funny how it turns out that he’s the innocent man, and you’re the lying loser.”

  “You might want to check yourself and remember who you’re talking to.” Michael regripped his cart and hardened his jaw. “I have connections.”

  “So do I.” Greg gave him an evil grin. “Only my friends don’t wear suits and don’t much care if they get arrested.”

  “Alright, you say you have proof that I was the one Audra had the affair with again this time around.” Michael eyed him closely. “So, show me your proof. Otherwise, I’ll sue you for slander.”

  “I’m not stupid, pal. The proof is hidden for safekeeping, but I’ll tell you what it is. Audra had a diary. When I couldn’t find Sean the night of her murder, I went back to our hotel and found her diary hidden in a secret compartment of her suitcase. It made for some very interesting reading that night.” Greg paused.

  Michael paled, but he didn’t say anything.

  Greg continued, “Like I said, Audra came back a few months ago, and you decided to use her all over again. Only this time, she’d learned a thing or two over the years. She learned how to get what she wanted this time around.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “What’s she’s always wanted. For you to leave your wife and marry her.”

  Michael laughed humorlessly, looking down his nose. “That would never happen. I have a child to think about.”

  “Yes, you do…or did, anyway.” Greg bumped Michael’s cart hard until he stumbled back a step. “Audra was pregnant and says it’s yours.”

  Michael’s jaw unhinged.

  “That’s right, you jerk,” Greg growled. “We hadn’t been together in months, so it definitely wasn’t mine. She planned to tell you the last night of the fair.”

  Michael started shaking his head no.

  Greg bumped him hard again until he stumbled. “I’m thinking she did tell you, and you murdered them both.”

  I gasped and jerked, sending breakfast bars and oatmeal flying. Two startled sets of eyes locked with mine.

  “Cleanup in Aisle 10,” came over the loud speaker.

  Something told me it would take more than a broom and dustpan to clean up this mess.

  11

  I still couldn’t wrap my head around Audra Grimshaw being pregnant with Michael McMaster’s baby. I had to know if his wife knew anything about it.

  On Sunday afternoon, I paid a visit to Divinity’s library with my best friend Jo. I remembered the first time I’d stepped foot in the library when I first moved to Divinity, thinking it was smaller than I’d thought it would be. Scenic pictures of the Adirondack Mountains and rivers of upstate New York graced the walls. Light oak bookshelves stood in rows like a set of dominoes, and small tables were scattered about in strategic places.

  It was pleasant and inviting.

  “Follow me,” Jo said, as we walked through the front doors.

  As we made our way to the back of the library, we saw Olivia Ventura sitting at a table behind several large, leather-bound books. She raised her head and smiled back as we waved. Mother had said the woman was the self-appointed historian for the Ventura family. One of her many hobbies.

  There was a large meeting room in the back reserved for several organizations. The National Ladies Auxiliary Sons of the American Revolution, was holding a monthly meeting this particular Sunday. It was open for the public to observe in the interest of joining, but once the meeting started, all non-members had to leave.

  The library was situated between City Hall in one direction, and the American Legion in the other, across the street from Warm Beginnings and Cozy Endings Cafe. Beth McMasters, wife of Councilman Michael McMasters, was the head of the Ladies Auxiliary. The group consisted of women related by marriage to members in good standing, or bloodline to members in good standing, or members deceased while in good standing of the NSSAR.

  My Grandpa Frank fought in several wars, and Granny Gert used to be a member of the Ladies Auxiliary before it became too much for her. I qualified for Ladies Auxiliary for both the American Legion or the Sons of the American Revolution.

  My mother had never shown much of an interest in joining, but she had fought for truth and justice and the American way quite successfully for more than half of her life. I might be interested in joining, but I was definitely interested in talking to Beth McMasters. Jo was one of eight children and was already a member, having come from a long line of military families. We sat in the back and observed.

  The organization had been of major assistance to the National Society by raising thousands of dollars to help the Society in carrying out its mission of inspiring patriotism and informing others of the contributions of our revolutionary ancestors. They held many social and fundraising events to support the SAR programs with their objectives to advance America’s Heritage.

  Jo’s brothers and father were also members of the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the U.S. through diverse programs and member benefits.

  With a rap of the gavel, the meeting was called to order and any non-members were asked to leave. I found the treasurer and handed in my application form. I’d still have to wait until after the investigative committee confirmed I qualified for membership and if they would vote to let me in… This was an organization I could truthfully get behind and had been thinking about for a while, but now more than ever, I was compelled to join.

  Truth and justice for all, but especially Sean O’Malley.

  I sat outside the room in awe, able to hear every word.

  Beth McMasters instructed the secretary to call the roll of Officers. After three raps, Beth said, “Color Bearers, secure and present to colors.” And the meeting was underway.

  It was very clear that Beth enjoyed the power, as periodically during the meeting her voice was loud and commanding through the wall. At times it sounded like she was ordering them through some kind of formation. Even with my gift of site, I couldn’t figure out exactly what they were doing. But I became even more eager to be a full-fledged member, something that would connect me even more to the community of Divinity which I loved so much.

  But first, I needed to have some face-to-face time with Beth McMaster.

  I heard the members recite the Pledge of Allegiance and then break into song with the National Anthem. Beth gave three raps of the gavel. “I now declare this Auxiliary meeting open for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it.”

  I listened while they discussed new member admissions. Then they went over the minutes from the previous meeting and any corrections. Next up was the treasurer’s report and presentation of bills. Reports from the committees were covered next, followed by unfinished business and new business. Lastly, they covered the reports from the trustees, followed by suggestions for the good of the order.

  Beth said, “Is there anything further to come before this meeting?” She paused. “If not, this concludes our business. Officers, present yourselves at the Altar for the closing ceremonies.” She rapped the gavel twice.

  I waited, eager to return to the room.

  Beth finally said, “We are about to leave this Auxiliary room. Let us endeavor to regulate our conduct so it will bring honor to our organization. I now declare this meeting closed with the retiring of the Colors.” She announced when the next meeting would be held.

  Moments later, the meeting room door opened.

  “Does this happen at every meeting?” I whispered to Jo after walking back into the room to join her.

  She nodded and whispered back, “Beth is by the book. I’m all for what the organization represents, but she can be over the top.”

  “Can you introduce me? I want to catch her before she leaves.”

  “Sure thing.” Jo looked over to where Beth stood. “In just a minute. She’s talking to Cal Stanton.”

  Beth was an attractive woman in her forties. Her husband Michael was at least ten years older than her, and not very attractive himself. He definitely had a thing for younger women. I was guessing his power made him attractive enough. I watched Beth smile and laugh with Cal, who looked to be around her age and very handsome.

  “Isn’t he the head of the American Legion?” I asked.

  “He sure is,” Jo replied. “They’ve worked on many projects together over the years.” She lowered her voice. “I’ve seen them in Smokey Jo’s before,” she made a set of air quotes as she added, “working.” She raised her auburn eyebrow high.

  “Interesting.” I grabbed Jo’s arm and pulled her with me. “I say we work our way on over there.”

  We had almost reached Beth and Cal when Michael McMasters walked in with a young man beside him.

  I stopped in my tracks.

  “What’s wrong?” Jo asked.

  “That boy.” I pointed.

  “What about him?”

  “He’s the boy I saw in the woods with the twins. Danny is his name.”

  “I know.”

  “How do you know him?”

  “Because, Sunny.” Jo looked me in the eye. “That’s Danny McMasters. Councilman Michael and Beth McMasters son.”

  Michael spotted me and stiffened. Danny looked at me, and his eyes grew huge. Beth studied her husband and son, then turned her gaze on me and frowned. They seemed to communicate silently with each other, collectively turning about face in a unified front and leaving together, post haste.

  Cal Stanton watched them leave. He glanced in our direction and shrugged, then headed down the street in the other direction.

  Jo looked at me, and I looked at her, then as if reading each other’s minds, we both said in unison, “And the plot thickens.”

  “Things are just getting weird,” I said to Mitch at Smokey Jo’s Tavern. We were having dinner after my attempt at making homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes had nearly burnt our house down.

  I snagged a French fry off my husband’s plate, and he pushed the carrots and celery sticks in my direction. I leveled him with my seriously look. He slid a cup of blue cheese at me and shrugged over my frown. That was his idea of a compromise.

  “You’re eating for two,” he said. “I’m thinking my son might need more than grease to develop.

  “And I’m thinking my daughter will be like her mama and thrive on eating whatever she pleases.”

  “Fine with me, as long as he gets vegetables, too, like his daddy.”

  “I’ll meet you halfway and eat the vegetables, Daddy, if you throw in dessert.”

  He winked. “You got it, Mama.”

  I melted, my heart full with the realization that we were more than just husband and wife now. We were a family. A growing family that I was becoming more and more happy about every day.

  “Wow.” Jo set a piece of apple pie ala mode on the bar in front of me. “Maybe you really are eating for two…as in twins.”

  “Don’t say that, Jo.” Mitch pushed his plate away as if he’d lost his appetite. “I’m barely used to the idea of one.”

  “Don’t worry, buddy,” Cole said, wiping down the counter before us, then slinging his towel over his shoulder as he reached for Mitch’s plate. “It’s not that bad. I’ve got your back if you need me.”

  I snagged the plate and slid it in my direction, looking more like I was a food critic with all the dishes before me than just a pregnant lady.

 

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