Savoring a Treat
More than a week passed and we didn’t hear much from the police. Officer Brent Koenig telephoned twice and Lieutenant Joost Van Dalen once. None of the three calls brought us much news or enlightenment.
The investigation was concluded and there was nothing more for me to do on the case. Charlie went to work with his dad and I fiddled around. Mostly, I spent time in the kitchen with Walt, but I couldn’t help very much because of the way my hands hurt. When I got bored, I wandered the farm.
David saw that I was at loose ends and tried to bring me along while he made his rounds, but he got pulled in so many different directions, it was impossible for me to be with him and not be a nuisance. I got bored. I couldn’t even leave the farm without risk because Sheriff Andy was still on the loose. I didn’t want to run into him in town because I didn’t know what he might do.
That’s why when the Lieutenant telephoned that he had real news, I was elated. I hoped the case was somehow resolved and I could at least explore the town some more and the surrounding area. Both Van Dalen and Koenig planned to visit the farm that evening. Because of their staggered work schedules, they couldn’t come until after eight. That was very close to bedtime for David and his family, but the matter was important enough that he agreed to stay up.
Unfortunately, he and Charlie and Mitch had been working their butts off to get ready to harvest the dry peas in June. They were exhausted. Mitch said he’d find out what happened in the morning and turned in. Charlie waited up until the officer and the lieutenant arrived. He had a word with Brent before he made it in off the porch. What he heard must’ve satisfied him because when he came in, he yawned, wished everyone a good night and turned in. The rest of us gathered around the table to hear the news.
Walt and Abby served coffee and a special dessert Walt had made for the first time that very day. Van Dalen took a slice of buttery frosted cinnamon pastry and inhaled its fragrance like it held all the wonderous scents of Christmas and childhood. He took a small bite and savored the delicate treat. “Thank you, Mister Stack. When old Missus Krengel died, I never thought I’d taste this again. You’ve made it perfectly. How did you manage?”
Walt poured coffee in the lieutenant’s cup and reveled in his compliments. “Please, call me Walt. As to how I did it, I made a long-distance telephone call to one of the finest pastry chefs in Philadelphia and asked for a traditional recipe. His name is Anders Kerstin and his grandmother made kanellangd every year for Advent. She’s the one who inspired him to be a pastry chef in the first place. This was his favorite treat in his youth.”
Van Dalen ate another bite and raved over it. “I’m so happy to taste this again. I can’t describe the joy.”
Walt was pleased. “I’m so glad you like it. I hoped you would. When you leave, don’t forget to take the one on the counter by the door. It’s wrapped up in foil so it should keep for a while, though I doubt it will last long around you.”
Van Dalen’s head jerked around like he didn’t believe Walt really provided for him. He saw the package waiting and looked like he might cry. “You made that for me?”
“Certainly. You’ve worked hard. You deserve a nice treat.”
Officer Koenig ate another bite of pastry and talked around it. “What about me?”
Walt was ready for his question. “Of course, there’s one for you too, officer.”
Koenig’s face lit up. “Thank you, Walt; and please call me Brent. Anyone who bakes for me has to use my first name.”
David interrupted from his spot near the head of the table. “I’m pleased that everyone likes Walt’s baking, but on the phone, the lieutenant said he had news. What is it?”
Abby came back to the table with another pint of cream for the coffee. She sat opposite David and expressed the same concern for whatever the news might be.
Van Dalen finished another piece of pastry and explained. “We did as Law suggested. We transcribed the recording of the conversation David and Law had with Simon Hansen. We also transcribed the panicky telephone conversation Hansen had with Andy immediately after Law and David left his office. The side of that talk that the bug could hear was damning to say the least. Hansen more or less confessed to everything Law accused him of. He also implicated Andy in the schemes. We compiled the transcriptions with some notes I added and shared all of it with the sheriff’s office just like we would any other piece of evidence.”
Koenig laughed boisterously. “Boy-oh-boy, things really started to happen after that! I’ve got it on good authority that Andy was called to the carpet to explain himself, which he obviously couldn’t. He ran right to Hansen for help, and we got their whole conversation on tape because Hansen must only empty the waste basket in his office every other week. The bug in the pack of cigarettes you left with him transmitted everything he said for six days straight until the battery ran down. For all I know it’s still in the trash under his desk.”
I didn’t understand how Hansen could have been sloppy enough to leave the cigarette pack there after he found out we recorded the conversation. “He must be a moron to talk about anything in his office after he found out about the recording.”
Van Dalen explained. “That’s where a little idea of mine comes into play. I included the details of the listening operation in the report we shared with the sheriff’s office, but the information I provided was false. I said that Law wore the wire, and the surveillance had been called off after the initial meeting. Andy read it, told Hansen, and they were both gullible enough to believe it.”
Walt had his own question. “But why did they believe the report at all? Didn’t the sheriff’s office question why you would share a report about an investigation into one of their officers?”
Van Dalen smiled and reached for what he claimed would be his last piece of pastry. “The head of the sheriff’s office telephoned to demand answers about the report. He was fit to be tied that the state police were investigating one of his officers without coordinating with him. I acted like the report shouldn’t have been shared and demanded he send it back with all copies. I made a heck of a lot of noise about it. I suspect that’s what convinced Andy there was an open investigation and scared him enough to run to Hansen.”
I restated what everyone should have already known. “There could never have been a real investigation. We couldn’t prove a thing.”
Van Dalen nodded that I was correct. “If the three of them, Simon Hansen, Sheriff Andy, and Keith Sykes, would have stuck together and kept their mouths shut, there wouldn’t have been a thing I could have done to any of them. The fact that Law and David were brazen enough to walk into Hansen’s office and tell what they knew right to his face, and my office’s feigned mistake of sharing the report with the sheriff, scared them into being reckless.
“Andy and Simon decided that poor Sykes was the weak link between them. Hansen told Andy to make Sykes disappear. He never told Andy to kill Sykes, but the implication was there. Andy refused because he thought he was already on the hot seat. Hansen said he’d take care of the matter personally. Once we heard that, we brought Sykes in for a chat and played the recording for him.
“He’s a coward, so he got scared and sang like a bird against Sheriff Andy and Simon Hansen. The Public Prosecutor has a full deposition from Sykes and the other two have been arrested pending trial for conspiracy, fraud, reckless endangerment, property damage, criminal trespass, and for the murder of Lars Krengel. I added a bunch of other charges which may or may not stick.
“I don’t know how much we’ll be able to prove, but we’ve got enough to ensure each of them will do at least a little time. If we prove any of it, David will be able to sue in civil court for restitution for the house at least. The beauty of the whole thing is, because Sykes is on record, I don’t need Law’s testimony at all. His story would add some color, but it’s completely unnecessary for a conviction. I’m glad because the fact that he’s queer doesn’t have to be a distraction in the case.” Van Dalen finished his oration and capped it off with one more ‘last piece’ of pastry.
I didn’t understand about the murder of Lars Krengel. “I thought you couldn’t do anything about Lars’ death. What changed?”
“Sykes knew about the murder and made it part of his confession. It seems once Krengel moved off the farm and into town, he didn’t have anything to occupy his days. He started to wonder about the sudden run of bad luck on his farm. He did his own version of an investigation. Poor Lars thought the best of everyone and never expected Hansen was the instigator to all the trouble. He actually went to Hansen’s office to talk to him about it.
“You see, because the well was the beginning of the bad luck, Lars started at the logical place, which was the drilling company. He didn’t accuse Hansen of anything. He just asked a lot of questions. Hansen got nervous that the old man knew something. He tried to get Sykes to kill Krengel, but he wouldn’t do it. Sykes liked the old man, like everyone did. Apparently, Hansen tried to get Andy to do it as well, but he wouldn’t. Hansen eventually went to see Krengel one evening with the excuse that he wanted to talk about Krengel’s bad luck. The first newspaper that Krengel didn’t take in from the front walk is dated the day after Hansen’s visit.
“I can’t prove that Hansen killed Krengel, but I can prove he was in the house the night Krengel died. Once we arrested and printed him, we matched his prints to the ones we discovered on the bookcase that fell and killed the poor old man. We’ll see what that buys me with the jury. They may decide there’s reasonable doubt or they may convict because no one likes it when a chiseler like Hansen kills a nice old man like Krengel.
“The only good thing that came out of Lars’ death is that it’s ultimately what scared Sykes. Hansen wanted Lars gone. Sykes wouldn’t do it, but it got done anyway. Sykes put two and two together and figured that meant Hansen was capable of murder. When he heard the recording of Andy and Hansen talking in thinly veiled terms about his own death, that was enough to make him sing. I’m glad he did.”
Walt refilled my coffee and kissed the side of my face as a compliment. “You’re so smart, Love. You made a little suggestion and look at all the good that came from it.”
I laughed off his appreciation. “I was just being a wiseass. I was mad that the state police called the sheriff each time we asked them not to. I popped off about it while we were going over how we planned to approach Hansen. I think I said something like, ‘I hope you’ll make sure to let the sheriff’s office know that we’re going to see Simon and that we’re bringing a bug in a pack of cigarettes. You could even share a typewritten copy of the discussion after the fact.’
“Van Dalen didn’t appreciate my venom. He said the receptionist was just following protocol by notifying the sheriff each time we telephoned. I got even madder and was going to tell him exactly what I thought he should do with his protocol when I was struck with inspiration. I said, ‘you should share the report.’ Van Dalen and Koenig both thought I was being difficult until I explained the whole idea. They laughed at the simplicity and agreed. I’m glad it worked out.”
David yawned like a bored lion and stretched his arms over his head. He apologized and yawned again. “I’m sorry, but harvest is coming and I’ve been very busy. Would you think me rude if I asked for the bottom line so I could go to bed? I’ve got to get up early because me and the boys have a hayrack to rebuild.”
Van Dalen answered. “The bottom line is that the bad luck on the Krengel farm is over. Simon Hansen, Sheriff Andy, and Keith Sykes are all in jail pending trial. Sykes will likely have his charges dismissed and get off with probation because of the information he gave us on the other two. Hanson and Andy will do at least a little time. Hansen might do a lot of time if the murder sticks. Andy won’t be a sheriff anymore. He’ll have to find another way to make his living. Hansen’s lawyer will have to wind up his business and close it because there’s no one to operate it.
“The well driller who started all the trouble will get off free and clear because he didn’t actually do much of anything. In fact, he’s not even in town anymore. He drifted in, spent a season working for Hansen, got mad that Hansen played games with his pay, and drifted off. Good riddance to him.”
David stood up and offered his hand to Van Dalen. They shook. David apologized for the things he said in the early morning after Andy left the barn with Keith Sykes. “I said some ugly things to you, sir. I’m sorry for them.”
Van Dalen didn’t let him apologize. “You were basically right with what you said. The only thing you had wrong was blaming me for the situation. You did me no harm with your shouting. I’m just glad you didn’t try to hit me.”
David grinned and yawned again. “I’ll apologize for going to sleep in the middle of your visit then. Good night, everyone.”
David went to bed and the visit wound down. Van Dalen and Koenig both left with their pastries. Walt and Abby cleaned up, and Abby went to join her husband. Walt and I went to bed a few moments later.
I sat on the edge of the bed, took my rosary from the nightstand, and held the cross while I said the Apostle’s Creed. I already prayed around the beads that morning, but the ritual soothed my mind and helped me sleep, so I usually did it at bedtime as well. Walt called my name from where he was lying behind me. I finished the prayer and didn’t continue. He asked, “could we talk for a minute, Love?”
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“You and me, I guess. Us and the Ploughmans. The time we’ve spent here. My gosh it’s been fun. Did you have fun? Are you having fun?”
I said that I was.
“You did an amazing thing here. You did a pile of amazing things. You solved a mystery. You saved a boy’s relationship with his father. You convinced a father that his sons could help in a more meaningful way than just with their strong backs. You taught a young man that he was a man and that he should pursue women, or at least one woman. Who ever would have thought that my husband would play matchmaker between young straight people? Not me.”
I shook my head at Walt’s speech. “I’ll take credit for some of that, but Charlie is making time with Emily all on his own. I just pointed out the obvious, that she was an attractive young woman and he is an attractive young man and they should get together.”
“You’re an attractive man, too.”
“I’m not young anymore.”
Walt chuckled. “Me neither. Speaking of old men, what happened to the ones you hired to watch over David’s property?”
“David paid them off and let them get back to doing whatever it is they do when they’re not guarding disused dairy barns. He gave them an extra week’s worth of wages and a nice bottle of whiskey each for their help. They were thrilled. The only one who was mad was old King George because he doesn’t get to dig up the sapphires. David let him keep all the stones he washed out of the drill tailings. That mollified him somewhat.”
“Just goes to show that old men are still capable of things.”
“What are you getting at?”
He deflected. “I don’t know if I’m getting at anything.”
“Yes, you are. You said I was attractive and that old men are capable of things. You’re driving at something. What is it?”
“I miss you, is all.”
I didn’t understand. “I’m right here. I’ve been right here. Ever since David and I visited Hansen over a week ago, you and me have been together almost every minute. We’re in the kitchen everyday like we were when you first opened the restaurant.”
He sat up to rub my shoulders and speak softly into the back of my neck. “I mean I miss you. It’s been almost seven months since we were intimate.”
I got scared. “Jesus, Walt! You’re not supposed to get excited.”
“And you’re not supposed to take the Lord’s name in vain while you’re holding a rosary.”
I dropped the rosary in the open drawer of the nightstand. “I’m not supposed to take the Lord’s name in vain at all. About the other thing, what did the doctor say?”
He rubbed my shoulders some more. “He said I’m not at immediate risk for another attack. He said I’d have to feel my way to see what I could handle and what I can’t. He said my heart would let me know.”
I didn’t like the idea. “You want to see what you can handle way the hell out here? We’re two hours from Billings. I don’t know what kind of medical help they have that’s any closer. What if something goes wrong? Wouldn’t it be better to wait until we’re home when we’ve got a hospital right across the street?”
He didn’t agree. “I promise I’m fine.”
I still didn’t like the idea. I stood from the bed and moved to the middle of the room. “Dance with me instead, Love.”
“But, we don’t have any music.”
“I’ve got the music in my memory. So do you. You remember. You must remember. It was April of 1939 and you gave me a fine dinner and a wonderful evening. We shared a cigar and danced to Virgina Bruce. She sang…”
Walt remembered. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin. I remember. I thought I’d won you that night, but I didn’t. I had to chase you for five more years.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t ready…”
He winced like he was in pain and apologized. “I didn’t mean to…I know you weren’t ready. It’s all past. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” He scooted out of bed and came to join me. He stood just out of reach. “I can’t believe you remember that night. I didn’t think it meant anything to you.”
“I cherish the memory of that night. That was the night I knew you loved me.”
He stepped forward until I felt his breath on my face. “Why…then why?”
I finished his thought. “Why did I run away the next day? Because I wasn’t ready. Because I was afraid of the darkness inside me. Because I didn’t believe I was worthy of the love of a fine man like you…the finest man I ever met. A man whose only fault was having the poor judgement to be in love with an animal like me.”
He threw his arms around me and held me close with his face in mine. “You loved me then too, didn’t you?”
I nodded because I couldn’t speak; the lump of emotion in my throat prevented me. I heaved a breath and forced my voice to work. “I loved you that night and every moment since. That’s why I ran.”
“You poor, sad man. It breaks my heart how much you suffered. No one should have to endure what you did. How have you managed to keep your kindness in spite of it all?” He shook his head and didn’t let me answer. “Never mind; that’s a question that has no answer. Dance with me like we did back then. Dance like we did when we were young and the future was ours to do with what we pleased.”
He crooned the words with the same languor that Virginia Bruce did. His voice rumbled deep in his chest. “I’ve got you, under my skin…”
He arranged his arms to dance and let me arrange mine. He led our steps slowly across the woven rug that protected our feet from the wood floor. He sang Cole Porter into my face. We revolved slowly in the dim light of the room. My memory of the past and the image of the present seemed to fuse into a single experience. We danced like we’d been dancing for all the years we lived in between that moment and this one.
Thirty years ago, I plodded around the living room of Walt’s apartment, full of a fine meal and eager for fun and games later. Thirty years later, I plodded with steps made awkward and painful by age. I was once again full of a fine meal, but now I was eager for every moment I got to spend with the man I loved.
He finished the song and our dance and pulled me against his body. We stilled and held each other. He whispered in my ear. “Are you finding your peace, Love?”
“Some of it.”
“Have you started to realize that ruthlessness and evil are not the same thing?”
“A bit.”
“Do you see the wonderful work you’ve done here? Do you see that no one could have done it but you? Do you feel how proud I am of how well you handled yourself?”
“Are you really proud of me? Did I really do well?”
“Yes, my love. You did very well. David and Abby, the boys, especially Charlie, all think you’re the most amazing man they’ve ever seen. Abby keeps saying how smart you are and how lucky I am to be married to a man as fine as you.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Did she really say that?”
“Of course. I’m not one to tell tales.”
I drew a breath that filled my nose with the scent of my husband. “I can’t see myself the way others do, but I see myself in a better light than I used to. Confessing my sins helped. Praying the rosary helped. My daily talks with the Lord helped. Spending time with you helped. I trust you, Love. If you tell me something, it must be so.”
“Then I’ll tell you that you are a good man, and I love you, and I always have, and I always will. I also promise that even when we’re separated by death, I will await our reunion when it comes in heaven, because I am certain to find you there.”
“You think they’ll let me in?”
“Of course, Love. Why wouldn’t they? You’ve led a good life. You confessed your sins. You repented. You did what the Lord told you to do. They’ll let you in. If they don’t, they’ll have to answer to me.”
I was so close to tears when he made his joke that it took me by surprise. The shock of it made me laugh out loud. Walt covered my mouth with his strong hand, so I didn’t wake the whole house. I got control of myself but still chuckled when he released me. “I’d love to hear what Father Groff would say to that.”
“Father Groff isn’t the gatekeeper to heaven.”
“No, apparently you are.”
He laughed at my teasing, then suggested we get in bed. We laid down and settled next to each other. I thanked him for the dance. He replied, “I can’t believe you remembered that dance from all those years ago. It touches my heart that you remembered.”
“I hope you don’t mind about the other. I miss intimacy as well, but I don’t feel right about doing anything here. Is it alright if we wait until we’re home?”
“Sure, but not too much longer. I miss your touch.”
“And I miss yours. We’ll have lots of time once we’re back. All we seem to have is time.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
THE END
Of Part 2
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