[Desert Roses 03] - Beneath A Harvest Sky (20 page)

“Then perhaps the employees or guests are arranging for the theft and then are accomplishing it through another person—someone not on the trip.

This would be very easy for an employee to pull off.”

Richland’s determination to pin the matter on the Gordons made Duncan all the more determined to fight.

“Maybe some of your Indians are involved. After all, the United States government hasn’t exactly been fair with them at times. Now that the country is in the midst of this financial downturn you mentioned, perhaps the Indians have joined together to create this mishap for their benefit.”

Richland stiffened. “Mr. Hartford, that accusation is even more ludicrous than your previous suggestion.”

“I’m not accusing anyone—and neither should you. I see no evidence to suggest any real culprit.

That’s why I want you to consider every angle before deciding who’s to blame. Sonny and Rainy Gordon have no reason to steal from the Indians. They’ve been on good terms with them for years. In fact, Miss Gordon has close friends among both the Hopi and the Navajos.”

Richland stood. “But the pieces are missing nevertheless! I need answers, Mr. Hartford. Solid, dependable answers that may be defended in a court of law.”

“And I’m telling you that I have no answers for you—only speculation. I’ve seen nothing to offer as proof. You’ll have to wait until I do before I allow you to accuse friends of mine.”

“Oh, so now the Gordons are friends?”

“You can hardly work around the clock with someone and not have them become either a friend or an enemy. Sonny and Rainy Gordon are decent God-fearing people. They come from a good family. I’ve even shared dinner in their home. They’re simple people who show no evidence of wealth—ill-gotten or otherwise.”

“If they’re such good people, then why have they covered up the real reason Rainy Gordon left her position with the university?” Richland asked, the sneer on his face leaving Duncan little doubt that he had already determined Rainy was guilty.

“And what would that reason be?” Duncan questioned, his Scottish brogue thickening with emotion.

“It’s not on the official record, mind you, but I have a very dependable source who has told me in confidence that Rainy Gordon was responsible for the theft of several university museum pieces. They found the articles in her desk, in her locked office.”

Duncan felt the wind leave him momentarily.

Could it possibly be true? Was this the thing that stood between Rainy and the Driscolls? He knew Marshall Driscoll was a powerful man with the university. Perhaps this was the real reason Rainy appeared to despise the man.

“I can see I’ve silenced you with this news,” Rich-land said. He pulled out his pocket watch and popped

open the case. “I have to leave now or I’ll never make my train. I want evidence, Hartford. We aren’t paying you to ignore facts.”

“I’m not ignoring anything,” Duncan said, feeling sick to his stomach. Surely Rainy was innocent. “And so far,” he added, “I’ve not been paid a cent.”

Richland pushed an envelope across the top of the desk. “Here, this should satisfy you for a time. I just want to know that I’m getting my money’s worth.”

Duncan looked at the envelope—his thirty pieces of silver. At least that was how it felt. “I didn’t accept this job for the money.” Duncan pushed the envelope at Richland. “I don’t want your money. I only want the stealing to stop. I was willing to help you because of the request of my family’s friend, Mr. Welch. But I’m not taking your money.”

“Suit yourself—so long as the job is done properly.

The Gordons will be on vacation the remainder of this week. While both are gone, we can keep an account of whether or not any other artifacts or valuables disappear. Meanwhile, I will expect you to nose around and ask questions. I’ll return within the week and expect to see something more concrete.”

Richland hesitated a moment, then picked up the envelope. He watched Duncan the entire time, as if expecting him to change his mind. When Duncan did nothing but watch him, Richland motioned to the deputy sheriff and headed for the door. “Remember that what I’ve told you goes no further than these walls. There is no doubt those who are involved would sell such details to the wrong person.”

Duncan nodded. Who could he possibly tell this

to? Sonny? Rainy? There was no one he could share this with—except his heavenly Father.
Oh, Lord,
he began to pray,
I need clear direction on this. I need understanding
.

————

After spending his lunch hour in prayer and working well into the evening hours on the backlog of work he’d promised the museum, Duncan finally left for his small house on East Palace Avenue. The tiny territorial-styled house was a haven away from the busyness of his life. His one-story home had a lovely stone porch with five simple roof supports. Above this, the roof parapet was trimmed in a fired-brick crowning that gave the house a little bit of charm and personality. Inside, the furnishings were simple yet solid. He’d purchased only those pieces necessary for his comfort, despising clutter and unnecessary bric-a-brac, though at times the house seemed empty and rather lonely.

He couldn’t help but wonder what a woman might do with the place.

As he walked toward home Rainy’s smiling face came to mind. He could almost smell the scent of her perfume. What would she suggest doing with the house? Would she want to add pieces of Indian art?

Maybe she’d prefer to make it over in a manner less Southwest in nature.

But she loves the Southwest,
he thought. That much he’d come to realize. She might have her secrets from the past, but she loved New Mexico and all it offered.

He’d never known any woman to so thoroughly enjoy

herself while sitting among ruins and desert landscape.

She can’t be responsible for the thefts. Rainy isn’t like that
.

He felt confident in his thoughts—so confident, in fact, that his only real concern was not how to prove Rainy innocent but rather how to find the guilty party.

Humming to himself as he made his way up the road to Palace Avenue, Duncan was surprised to catch sight of Jennetta Blythe. Actually, her laughter had caught his attention first. The woman had an annoying nasal laugh that set Duncan’s nerves on edge.

He glanced across the street to see Jennetta in the midst of a small gathering. She seemed to be showing off some new find. Duncan couldn’t really see what she held, but her circle of friends seemed more than a little impressed. He slowed his walk, hoping for a glimpse.

He paused beside a stand of honey mesquites, whose pale yellow blooms offered a sure sign that spring was upon them. The fragrance wafted on the breeze, but Duncan couldn’t take time to truly enjoy it. He watched Jennetta move toward the house, her flock gathered around her as tight as could be. But then, just before she followed her friends into the house, Duncan caught a glimpse of a long cylindrical object in her hands. Laughter filled the air as the party disappeared one by one into the house.

Still uncertain of what Jennetta had held, Duncan couldn’t help but wonder if it might be one of the missing Hopi flutes. From the description given him earlier, it was the right size. He wished he could have gotten a better look. With a sigh, he headed up the

street as the last of Jennetta’s entourage disappeared into the house.

How am I going to figure this out? I can hardly go up to
that house, knock on the door, and demand to know what
Jennetta was showing everyone
. He gritted his teeth in frustration. There had to be an answer, but none seemed to present itself to him.

“If I don’t learn the truth and do it soon,” he muttered, “they’ll blame Rainy and maybe even charge her with stealing. I can’t let that happen.”

The intensity of his feelings startled Duncan. He knew he couldn’t deny the thoughts that flooded his mind—his heart. He was falling in love with Rainy Gordon.

He laughed out loud. “Falling is hardly the word for it. I’ve already fallen—and hard.”

————

“It really was the strangest thing,” Sonny told Rainy as they cleared away the breakfast dishes. “I couldn’t believe Bethel Driscoll was asking me to drive her to Gallup. I mean it just didn’t make sense. She offered me an enormous amount of money and told me it was vital that she get there and that she didn’t trust anyone else.”

“What did you do?” Rainy put the dishes in the sink and turned to face her brother.

“I told her no. I couldn’t see putting myself in the position of being alone with her for several hours. It just didn’t make sense. I thought the appearance of it would be damaging to her reputation and told her so.

She laughed this off and insisted she absolutely had to

get to Gallup to pick up something. I suggested she take the train but she refused, saying the car was the only way that would work. I have no idea what it was all about, but when she saw that I would have no part of it, she left quite angry.”

“That is really strange. You don’t suppose . . .”

Rainy’s words trailed off into thoughts. She’d always believed Chester had something to do with the university artifacts showing up in her office. Maybe Bethel and Chester were involved in the missing artifacts and oil paintings. It seemed a long shot, but Rainy thought it entirely possible.

“What were you about to say?”

Rainy shrugged. “It isn’t important. Just a fleeting thought. Anyway, I’m so glad you extended your vacation. It’s been very pleasant here with you and Mom and Dad. I really hate to go back.”

Sonny shifted and looked at the floor. “You wouldn’t have to go back.”

“Why would you say that?” Rainy questioned as she took heated water from the stove and began making herself a cup of tea. “Want some?” she asked, holding up the pot.

Sonny shook his head. “I only meant that maybe you should consider going to Scotland with Mom and Dad.”

Rainy replaced the pot and eyed her brother in curiosity. “Go to Scotland?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Are you planning to go to Scotland?” Rainy noted the sudden change in Sonny’s features. “You are, aren’t you?”

“Now wait just a minute, Rainy. I am making plans, but . . .”

“No, I can’t believe this. You’re planning to leave.

Why didn’t you tell me you were going to go with Mom and Dad?” She felt betrayed—deserted. “I can’t believe you wouldn’t talk this over with me before making such a serious decision. I know we’re adults, but I thought we had a closeness that allowed for such confidence.”

Sonny stepped forward. “We are close, Rainy, but you’re misunderstanding.”

Rainy raised her hands. “Stop. I’m not going to discuss this any further.” She left the kitchen and walked out into the courtyard. Here her mother’s lovely garden offered comfort as the world seemed to crumble around Rainy’s feet. The security she’d once counted on was seeping through the cracks a little at a time. Why was this happening? How could Sonny make plans without consulting her first?

Because he’s a man and fully capable of choosing his own
path,
her mind suggested.

But we always talk things over. We always make certain
that we get each other’s advice,
she argued with herself.

Oh, and that’s why you consulted Sonny before getting all
wrapped up in Phillip Vance? That’s why you discussed putting
off the vacation in order to cater to Phillip and his rich
friends?
Rainy immediately felt awash in guilt. Her own conscience spoke against her.

What will I do without him?
She turned back to the house. “What will I do without all of them?”

Rainy knew it was silly to be so alarmed. She wasn’t a child anymore. She was nearly twenty-eight years old.

Maybe she wouldn’t be feeling so abandoned if she had already married and had started a family of her own.

She sat down and toyed with one of her mother’s rosebushes. The plant had many buds on it, and while most hinted at the rich pink color to come, some were so tightly formed they offered nothing but their green casing.

My life is just like this,
she thought, gently fingering the hard green cover of one bud.
I’m wrapped up tight,
so unaware of the possibility of a future outside my little shell.

I’ve so much to learn—so much to do—and yet here I sit,
afraid of what’s to come, angry because my life is changing
.

She glanced up and caught sight of Sonny watching her from the kitchen window.
I should apologize, I
suppose
. But she turned away rather than motioning for him to join her. No doubt he would be wounded by her actions, but she was wounded as well. And sadly, she couldn’t even truly understand why.

I know he’s entitled to make plans without consulting me.

I know he’s a grown man and well past the age of going off
on his own. If he wants to live with Mom and Dad in Scotland
or anywhere else, that’s completely his right
. She sighed.
So why do I feel so lost and empty? Why does it hurt
so much to know they’re all going away?