Bagels and Betrayal, page 1
Bagels and Betrayal
Snow Falls Alaska Cozy - 3
Wendy Meadows
Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Meadows
All rights reserved.
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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
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Majestic Owl Publishing LLC
P.O. Box 997
Newport, NH 03773
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
More from Wendy
About Wendy Meadows
Chapter One
It felt strange being in North Carolina. Yes, strange. Bethany Lights should have felt right at home, but she didn't. Even though she had only been living in Snow Falls, Alaska for a short time, somehow that short time period had allowed the rest of the world to transform into a strange creature that her heart could barely recognize.
Snow Falls, Alaska was a different world that changed a person in a way that Bethany struggled to understand. Bethany felt as though she had somehow—in some way—always belonged in Snow Falls, but had missed the boat and was just now swimming ashore. Was she ready to leave her new home so quickly and return to a place that seemed to scorn her very presence? Bethany wasn't sure.
“Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,” she whispered as her eyes studied a lovely two-story Victorian home perched comfortably in front of a large, sleepy lake glimmering in the late autumn sun.
“Here's your luggage, miss,” a grumpy cab driver spoke up.
Bethany turned her head, spotting a depressed-looking man wearing an old baseball cap and standing next to a run-down yellow cab.
“Oh, thank you. Mr. Gray, I...one minute.” Bethany quickly snapped open a green purse and searched for some money. A powerful gust of cold autumn wind blasted by, throwing her silky red hair into a dance filled with lazy multi-colored leaves. “I'll find you a tip.”
Davy Gray set two black suitcases down onto a gravel driveway that felt deserted. He was a man who had recently suffered through a hideous divorce. Davy's ex-wife, a woman who’d decided that a sleazy lawyer could somehow replace a twenty-year marriage without causing harm or damage, had taken him to the bank and stolen a great sum of money, not to mention a nice house, twenty-four acres of land, a new truck, a boat...everything. Teaming up with a sleazy lawyer had certainly paid off for her. They’d left Davy with only a few pennies and a run-down truck on its last leg. His brother, who owned a cab business, had tossed Davy a bone and given him a job with the company—for the time being, at least. No one knew what Davy's plans were and where the poor guy would end up…not even Davy.
“There's no need—”
“Oh, I always leave a good tip. It's the proper thing to do,” Bethany insisted.
Davy examined the beautiful woman, who reminded him of an actress he couldn't quite remember. Davy was sure the actress his mind was trying to find didn't have red hair like Bethany, though the woman fishing through a fussy purse carried an uncanny resemblance to her. No matter. Davy wasn't really in the mood to play “name that face.” He was hungry and it was getting close to supper time. Maybe he would go eat at the local Chick-Fil-A or get some Captain D's? His brother's wife wasn't exactly the greatest cook in the world—or the nicest person.
“Well, thank you.”
Bethany found a twenty-dollar bill. “Here you go,” she told Davy, offering a kind smile.
Davy accepted the money with a reluctant hand. He guessed all Bethany saw was a beaten-down man wearing an old gray coat and a pair of worn-down tan slacks—not much of a man.
“Thank you. Uh, want me to carry your luggage to the front porch?”
Before Bethany could answer, another powerful blast of cold wind struck her. The wind grabbed the blue hat Bethany was wearing with fast hands. She tucked her head down and waited for the wind to pass. “I forgot how cold it could be up here on the lake.”
“Supposed to snow tonight.” Davy lifted his eyes and studied a low, gray sky slowly growing pregnant with a snowstorm. Icy wind whispered under the sky, dancing through rustling trees, shedding beautiful autumn leaves, and then skipping across the surface of a large lake, which reflected the sky and dancing leaves in its eyes. Miles of lonely woods surrounded the lake. The Victorian house sat up on top of Old Wolf Mountain all alone on private land. How much private land? Rumor had it that the Lights owned close to five thousand acres of lush mountain land on top of Old Wolf Mountain, though Davy believed the count was closer to seven thousand. The Lights family was a very wealthy family, that much was for sure—at least in Davy's eyes. He didn't think a simple twenty-dollar tip would damage Bethany's money purse badly.
“Yes, that's what I heard.” Bethany glanced around. She didn't see any vehicles parked in the main driveway. No one is here. Mother was very kind to let me come stay at the mountain home and rest. Well, at least that's what I told mother. The truth is, Julie is in danger, and I needed to get her away from Snow Falls. I couldn't tell mother that because she would have called in the army.
“Julie, are you ready?”
Julie Walsh drew in an uneasy breath, and then pulled herself out of the back of Davy's cab like a broken ragdoll trying to find her legs.
“I didn't realize we were up so far…alone. I almost feel like I'm back on Icy Mountain,” she told Bethany as her eyes walked around a strange but beautiful land.
Davy looked over at Julie. Julie, like Bethany, was a very beautiful woman—a British woman who spoke with a thick British accent. He liked how Julie's black hair rested on a pair of soft shoulders that seemed to belong to a caring soul. Julie reminded him of a 1940s World War II nurse who tended to wounded soldiers and offered soothing words of hope and care.
“I'll get your luggage, miss.”
“Thank you.” Julie walked over to Bethany as her eyes locked onto the Victorian house. “It's lovely,” she spoke in a quick voice, hugging a simple navy coat. “But I didn't realize we would be so far up...alone.”
“Honey, someone called and threatened your life. I got you out of Snow Falls as fast as I could without looking overly suspicious and brought you to the only place I felt you would be safe,” Bethany whispered. She nodded toward the Victorian house. “I spent countless summers up her with my parents as a little girl and a young teenager. I know this land, and I know that house like I know the back of my hand.” Bethany turned and pointed down a long gravel road. “Mr. Gray, will you lock the main gate when you leave?”
“I will,” Davy promised, pulling two green suitcases out of a trunk that smelled of oil and dust. He set the suitcases down next to Julie. “It's an hour's drive back to the bottom of the mountain, and another half-hour drive back to town. You ladies are really up here alone.”
Davy felt that leaving two ladies alone on the top of a high mountain wasn't such a good idea. Usually, his gut didn't offer ill-advised counsel. “Uh, is there a certain time you want me to be back to pick you up?”
“We're staying for two weeks. My mother has stocked the home with food, firewood, and gas for the built-in generators.” Bethany scanned the beautiful, chilly afternoon again with careful eyes. Was someone hiding in the woods? Watching…waiting to strike? Julie and I rented a car and drove from Snow Falls all the way to Seattle before we boarded a plane. I didn't see anyone following us the entire time or spot any suspicious person on the two flights we took from Seattle to Raleigh. If anyone is hiding and watching...I just pray we're alone. “Mr. Gray, can you be back two weeks from today?”
“Sure,” Davy nodded without showing much enthusiasm. Why was it any of his business why Bethany and Julie were staying up on the top of a lonely mountain? It was no secret that the Lights family were loaded and even a bit...eccentric. Bethany Lights seemed like a normal lady, but who knew? Maybe Bethany and Julie were bona fide nuts? Davy doubted if his ill thoughts were true, but again, what was it any of his business? He hadn't seen Bethany since his teenage years. “I guess I'll be going. But before I do...uh, mind if I ask you a question?”
“I suppose,” Bethany agreed.
“You don't recognize me, do you?” Davy asked.
Bethany's eyes narrowed into a curious expression. She quickly studied a man of average height and build that made her think of beardless Victor French. “Uh, no. I'm sorry I don't, Mr. Gray.”
Davy nodded. He had only told Bethany and Julie his last name. “Does the name 'Sickly Davy' ring a bell?”
“Sickly Davy?” Bethany continued to stare at Davy for a few seconds, and then a lightbulb went off inside her mind. “Are you Davy Andrew Gray?” she quickly asked.
Davy nodded. “Better known as 'Sickly Davy' because I had cancer when we went to school together.” Davy dropped his eyes, looked at a worn-down pair of boots he was wearing, and then shook his head. “It's alright that you don't recognize me. I missed a lot of school, and even when I was in school, I was invisible. The sick kids always get pushed to the back.”
Bethany could barely believe her eyes. Was she really talking to Davy Gray? Oh, how could I have missed it? The last name Gray should have been a dead giveaway. I guess my mind is so occupied with keeping Julie safe that I overlooked a simple fact.
“Well, it has been some years, but I remember you, Davy. At least, now I do. I'm sorry for not remembering before.”
“Why would you? We all change. I used to be as skinny as a broomstick. I've managed to maintain a healthy weight through the years, but now my hair is peppered with gray and I'm not sixteen anymore.” Davy raised his eyes and looked into a beautiful face. “I married Tracy Bates. We stayed married for twenty years. We got divorced last year...ugly divorce.”
“Oh, I'm sorry, I...” Bethany wasn't sure what to say. Who was Tracy Bates? The name doesn't ring a bell. “Forgive me, Davy, but I don't know who Tracy Bates is.”
“You wouldn't. I met my wife when I went off to North Carolina State. At the time my folks were doing pretty well. My dad owned four grocery stores...” Davy shook his head. “Well, what does it matter? The past is the past.”
Davy looked around. His gut was gnawing at him, but what could he do? Bethany and Julie were grown women. “Your mother already paid for the ride in advance. I guess I'll be seeing you in two weeks.”
“I guess so.” Bethany's mind struggled to remember Davy. Bits and pieces of a broken past appeared. She saw a sickly young man sitting in the back of a depressing classroom that smelled of chalk dust and pencil shavings. I remember now. Davy was always called “Sickly Davy” by the football players. He never talked much, always seemed to keep to himself. We were assigned to do a science project together once…I think we received a passing grade. My, how time passes. “If we need anything, I'll call. My mother told me you volunteered to bring any needed supplies up—”
“I did,” Davy nodded. “Your mother hired me to be at her disposal for the next two weeks.” He glanced toward Julie, who offered a polite smile. “I'm the one who installed the built-in generators and made sure they were up to par and that the phone line was still in working order. Before I drove a cab, I owned Gray Electrical. Now...well, my wife made sure she took everything.”
Bethany felt her heart break for Davy. Standing before her was a man who seemed to have lost the desire and enthusiasm to embrace life. What could she do? What could she say? Julie was in danger, and Bethany needed to focus on protecting her friend.
“Mr. Gray, uh...where are you staying at the moment?”
“At my brother’s. He has an apartment over his garage that he's letting me use.” Davy nodded toward the run-down yellow cab he was standing close to. “I'm working for him, too. That cab belongs to him. Mostly, I drive outsiders to and from the airport. The locals in Pine Lakes have little need for a cab. My brother services Pine Lakes, Green Valley, and White Ridge. He does okay...” Davy slid his mouth to a stop. He wasn't much for talking and wasn't sure why he was blabbing his jaws to Bethany.
“Davy? Uh, my mother did inform me she hired you to help us for the next two weeks. Uh...I know this may sound abrupt and a little strange, but would it be too much to ask if you might...stay up here at the lake house with me and my friend for the next two weeks?” Bethany asked in a voice that sounded uncertain rather than clear and concise.
Julie tossed Bethany a confused look. “Love?” she asked.
“I suppose I would feel safer if someone were up here with us, Julie,” Bethany struggled to offer a quick answer that would soothe Julie's worry. “Davy, there are plenty of bedrooms.” I hope Davy doesn't think I'm insane for making such a request. I created an escape plan in such haste that I'm just now catching up to my own thoughts. I wanted to get Julie out of Snow Falls and to a safe location. I really didn't have time to plan matters through the way I wanted to. And now that we're here at the lake house, I feel it would be better to have someone up here with us.
“Well...” Davy scratched at the back of his head with a thoughtful hand. “I don't have anything else to do for the next two weeks. Your mother hired me to look after you, and I doubt my brother will go under if I'm not around. I was just going to drive back down the mountain and twiddle my thumbs and wait for you to call.” Davy walked his eyes around. Being at the top of Old Wolf Mountain made him feel...free. Maybe spending two weeks away from the world was what the doctor ordered? It certainly couldn't hurt to take a much needed breather. “Sure. Why not? I'll need to go get clothes and other supplies. Should be back around dark, if that's all right.”
“That will be fine.” Bethany offered a relieved smile. “Julie and I will have dinner started by then.”
Davy nodded. “Sounds good,” he told Bethany, and then looked around one last time. “We're supposed to be getting some snow, so we better get settled in good. I'll be back as soon as I can.”
Bethany and Julie watched Davy get into his cab, wave, and then drive away.
“Well, love, I hope you know what you're doing.” Julie sighed and then picked up her luggage. “We better get inside.”
Bethany looked around. We're at the lake house, and now I have to figure out what to do. Whoever called Julie isn't going to vanish into the wind.
Chapter Two
Wood battered by countless winters creaked and moaned under the brown boots Julie was wearing. The wraparound porch that decorated the Victorian lake house with dazzling beauty was old and grumpy, but that simply added charm—if charm was possible in such a dire situation.
Julie felt very afraid as she approached a large green door with what appeared to be a snow owl carved in the middle of it. She spotted a line of country rocking chairs sitting off to her left and a lovely porch swing hanging off to her right. Bethany carefully unlocked the front door.
“It is lovely here. Very quiet, love,” she said to Bethany.
“My great-great-grandfather bought this land,” Bethany explained, struggling to make a rusted lock agree with an old key. “My family has fought to keep all this land. Years back, the county threatened to take the land by force, but my parents contacted a senator friend they knew who intervened—harshly, I might add. My family has had no trouble from the county since. Not a single—come on, lock, work!—acre of land has been bothered. Come on, lock.”
“Perhaps we can take a walk to the lake once we get our luggage inside?” Julie suggested.
“The lake is exquisite—oh, come on, work!” Bethany let out a loud roar and hit the lock she was fussing at with a hard hand. “Work!”
“Love, let me try.” Julie stepped forward and took the set of keys Bethany was holding with a careful hand. Bethany stepped back and waited. To her relief, Julie unlocked the front door with little trouble. “I've always had a special touch.” Julie smiled.
“Remind me to call you the next time I lock my keys in my SUV.” Bethany smiled back and drew in a deep breath of cold air. She turned away from the front door and allowed her eyes to soak in a beautiful, lush, crisp autumn day. “It is very beautiful up on the mountain. When I was a little girl, I used to love when my parents would bring me here. There was no electricity, but my parents paid more money to have a phone line run up this far. It’s just peace and quiet.”
A gust of cold wind ran up onto the front porch and said hello. Julie allowed the wind to touch her face without turning away. The wind, although cold, felt refreshing.
“Bethany?”
“I know.” Bethany slowly turned back around and faced Julie. “You're ready to tell me about the phone call?”
