“Goll Dang it!” Clark Burstable rubbed his shoulder and looked up at the branch that had just fallen across his back, shedding a load of snow into the Mayor’s neck as it went down. Shivering with cold, he bent down and tugged at the large branch that was now blocking the entrance to the City Hall office block.
“Must have broken under the weight of the snow. This cold is making everything brittle.” He mumbled to himself as he tried to pull the branch off the sidewalk.
“Here, let me help you with that!” Mayor Burstable looked up to see a tall man heading his way, a golden-coloured dog at his side.
“Thanks lad, I appreciate the assist.” Both men heaved at the branch and were able to heft it up the snow to the side of the main walkway.
Mayor Burstable turned to the newcomer. “I don’t think I’ve had the privilege of meeting you, sir. My name is Clark Burstable, and I’ve been the mayor here in Middle Cove for going onto 8 years now.”
“Sean Scottsdale. Just moved here a few days ago. I’m actually here to pick up a dog license for Ryder.”
“Welcome to the community lad. What brought you to our beautiful town?” The mayor pushed the heavy branch over a bit more as he spoke, to ensure that the broken piece wouldn’t hook an unwary walker’s coat as they went by.
“I’m a teacher at the college. I transferred over from the main branch in Orrivoto. Hey, wow, look at that! You were lucky you weren’t hurt badly when that thing came down!” Sean had been helping the Mayor situate the branch and had just noticed the saw marks on the broken end. “It looks like someone cut that almost through, then just left it.”
Mayor Burstable froze and the cold chill that sent shivers up his spine had nothing to do with the snow now melting inside his coat.
“Must have been a gardening mistake this summer. Some guy pruning the trees and stopped for lunch or something half way through the job. The cold and snow now probably finished the job. I’m just glad no one was seriously hurt. Lad, I’d better get on to the office and thank you again for your help.” The mayor nodded and rushed away, leaving Sean alone on the sidewalk.
Burstable dropped into his office chair with a thump and pressed the intercom button. “Macy dear, would you have Landcrew come and take that branch away before someone gets hurt? And bring me a coffee, won’t you? I’ve had a day already and it’s only 9am.”
His hands shook as he pulled out the Fountains contract. Had he missed a deadline? The branch was a clear warning. But a warning about what?
~~~
Sean left City Hall with more questions than answers. He might not be much of a gardener, but he knew enough about pruning branches to see a fresh cut when it was looking at him in the face.
As a college professor, Sean was used to watching a large room of people while he was teaching. He had developed the trick of talking while keeping an eye on his student’s expressions, to gauge how well they were understanding the lesson. Today while buying Ryder’s dog tag, Sean had noticed some odd behaviours amongst the administrative staff. The woman who was registering Ryder on the data base kept furtively glancing over her shoulder at a back room, where she rushed off as soon as Sean had completed his transaction. While he was standing at the counter he counted 3 occasions where 2 staff met for a hurried conversation, half-turning their backs to the room in an obvious bid for confidentiality. Each time, the staff had quickly left through separate doors, then returned within minutes for another hushed meeting.
Sean had asked the clerk if the staff were planning for a big event, and she had stammered a short reply. “No, just the regular fountain overhaul. Always happens as soon as we get the first Spring thaw, and that’s probably only 6 or 7 weeks away. Just a lot of preparation right now.” She had once more looked over her shoulder, an almost guilty expression on her face. Seeing her obvious discomfort, Sean had decided not to ask any more questions.
Walking down the street, Sean paused outside of a quaint cafe to read the sign in the window. “Dogs are welcome to bring their well-mannered owners inside.” He smiled, and opened the door.
He was greeted by the smells of warm butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The air was heavier than outside and felt like a warm hug. He wiped his boots on the entrance mat, and stepped across the brown tiles towards the front counter. Rows of scones, muffins, and croissants sat behind a clear glass counter, and the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans now mingled with the baking.
“Why hello gorgeous! Aren’t you looking amazing this morning. I bet you could do with a drink and a treat, couldn’t you?” Surprised by the woman’s familiarity, Sean started to fumble a reply before realizing that the waitress was addressing Ryder. She glanced at Sean. “Is it ok for her to have a dog treat? They’re made here, only the best ingredients for our best customers.” Ryder appeared to have understood the question, as she looked up at Sean and leaned her furry body against the waitress’ leg.
“Yes, of course, thank you.”
“I’m Megs, what can I get you?”
After placing his order for a black coffee and a croissant, Sean settled himself at one of the cozy tables near the gas fireplace while Ryder curled up on the rug by the hearth. A large shelf full of used books sat to Sean’s left, its dark wood standing out against the butter-yellow walls. Sean felt himself relax as he sunk into the welcoming atmosphere of the shop. This was definitely going to become a favourite haunt.
The door opened and Sean watched a tall woman with light brown hair enter the bakery. She held the door and a tan and sliver dog walked in after her. Megs rushed over and gave the dog a hug while handing her a cookie. The dog accepted the treat and walked over to the fireplace, dropping the cookie on the carpet while she nosed Ryder. Ryder glanced at the treat, then up at Sean, then at the new dog. She appeared to have decided that manners were necessary, and heaved herself up to sniff the newcomer. Sean was surprised to see the new dog bite the cookie in half, and nose a piece over to Ryder, who quickly gulped it down.
“Hi. Is she ok here? If she’s a bother I can bring her to my table?” Sean looked up into kind brown eyes smiling at him above her mask. Her eyes were twinkling. He felt himself drawn to her as he leaned forward.
“Looks to me like they’re best buddies already. What’s her name?” Sean nodded towards the dogs, now curled up together in front of the fire, and dozing in the warmth.
“That’s Harper, and I’m Kat. I’ll just be over there if she gets up to any trouble.” Kat pointed to a round table on the other side of the cafe.
“Join me?”
Kat reached out and touched his shoulder. “I’d like that, but I’m meeting a friend. Thanks for letting Harper join your pup. She loves company and the fireplace.”
Sean watched her as she walked back to her table. She stopped for a moment and said hello to an older woman sitting with a group of cronies. Kat must have said something funny because they all laughed as she walked away. She moved with purpose and grace, like a hiker in a forest who knows the path and all its twists and turns. Sean felt a pull. He wanted to get to know this woman.
~~~
“I couldn’t believe it Ellie! Harper was running around like the cops were her new best friends, they were everywhere! Outside walking around the house, inside checking all the doors and windows. Nothing. They found nothing.”
She had spent panicked minutes on the phone with the police. The officers who came to take her report were kind, but clearly thought that she might have benefitted by calling her physician instead of emergency services. What kind of report could they file? There was nothing missing, there was no vandalism, there were no threatening notes. The locks on the doors had not been broken, and there were no footprints in the snow under any of the windows.
Kat hesitated, before continuing to speak.
“There’s more Ellie. I think I’m going mad. I’m hearing voices.”
Ellie reached for her friend’s hands and just sat with her for a few minutes. They were seated in a quiet booth at Sugar Bees, their favourite coffee house on Main St. The comforting smells of coffee beans and freshly baked scones surrounded them. It was warm inside. It felt safe, like being snuggled into your grandmother’s afghan while she baked chocolate chip cookies.
“They’re happy voices. Sort of bouncy. I swear sometimes Harper looks at me and it’s like she’s the one talking.”
Ellie shrugged. “Just ride it out Kat. Remember when we were kids? You went through that phase when you wanted to rescue those baby bunnies? You were convinced the mother rabbit was asking you for help. Those voices faded out after a while.”
Ellie was right. Kat remembered the panicked voice in her mind when she found the bunny lunging at the stream as runoff water started flooding her nest.
“You have an amazing imagination. It’s what’s made you a terrific stage manager for all these years. Just be patient. This too shall pass. Now, I saw you talking with Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome in the corner over there. Who is he?”
Kat looked over at the new guy, who was busy reading on his phone. His hair was slightly messy, like he had run his fingers through it after pulling off his hat. He was absentmindedly shredding a croissant with his free hand, and both dogs were sitting at attention, watching for crumbs. Kat felt her mouth turn up in a smile. She had to admit, he was cute.
Ellie caught the smile and reached once more for Kat’s hands. “It’s time. It’s ok Kat, it’s time to look at someone else.”
~~~
I want to read more!