Home > Trace of Doubt(6)

Trace of Doubt(6)
Author: DiAnn Mills

“We need to get you established on the various social media platforms to reach online buyers.”

“I need help with the social media part. All of it.”

“No problem. I can teach you.” Edie gestured for me to continue. “Keep talking. My mind is sparking ideas like firecrackers.”

“Perhaps a blog focusing on how each piece is created and tips on how wearing them would create interest. I’d like to stage them, take photos to show versatility. Even videos once I learn how it’s done. Of course, I need a website, but that development will need to wait until I have the funds. Do you think my past will hinder buyers?”

“Oh, stop it. Do you plan to announce it?” Her fun personality was fantastic. “We can work around every issue you can toss my way. My web designer is amazing, and he could help you with everything online, including marketing and promotion. And don’t forget an online catalog. Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram are all good for you. Not every person hangs out on the same platform.”

I rubbed my palms together. Last Christmas I’d hoped for a new friend who wouldn’t mind giving me business advice. Fanciful dreams didn’t compare with the excitement bubbling inside me. “I’ve made out an order. I just need you to call it in.”

“Which reminds me, I bought a new phone a few months ago. You can have this one, and you can access Wi-Fi from it too. Randy looked at it this morning and told me it was in good shape.” She reached into her monster bag and presented me with a cell phone.

My fingers trembled. “Why are you doing this?”

“I believe in your heart, Shelby. The chaplain and I are high school friends from my San Antonio childhood. She believes in you too.”

I rolled the phone over in my hands, holding it like a precious jewel. “Will you show me how to connect and text?”

We both laughed at my helplessness. “I’d love to.”

For the next hour, Edie tutored me in how to set up my phone, text, and access the Internet. She jotted down websites for me to learn about social media, marketing, branding, and other foreign topics. “You’re a fast learner. Just call—”

A swish near the door turned our attention to an envelope sliding under it. I rushed over and flung the door open in time to see a man bolt into the woods.

“Hey!” I raced after him on a winding path. He wore a ball cap and a black T-shirt. He ran like a deer, and his long stride and pace lengthened the distance between us. My breathing came in short, painful spurts. Dratted asthma. He disappeared into the thick woods, and I stopped to grasp my knees until I gained control of my air-depleted lungs.

Edie.

She could be hurt. Fighting for every breath, I rushed back to the cabin. She stood on the porch, her phone in one hand and the envelope in the other. I swept my gaze over the perimeter and back to the item in her hand.

“Are you okay?” she said.

I gestured my thumb and finger like an inhaler and retrieved it from inside. She followed me in. I inhaled the medicine deeply and waited for my lungs to cease their protest. “I’m all right. He outran me. I feared he was circling back to you.”

“You chased him when he could have turned on you?”

“He meant no good, and I acted instinctively.”

Her features softened. “Did you recognize him?”

“Never got close enough.”

She held up the envelope. “Obviously this was an important delivery.”

“Wash your hands before I open it. He could have laced it with poison.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Not in the least. I heard a few tales in prison that would make your skin crawl. Scrub for thirty seconds with lots of soap and water.”

Her face pale, Edie returned shortly afterward.

We walked several feet beyond the cabin for two reasons—if the envelope held deadly contents, I’d rather contaminate the outside of the cabin than the inside. Also, if the sender watched me, I wanted him to know I’d opened it. I gingerly lifted the envelope’s flap and tugged on a folded, typed note.

You’re not wanted here.

 

 

6

 

 

At my trial the prosecutor laid the groundwork for first-degree murder. He alleged that Travis had discovered I’d hacked into his bank account and embezzled five hundred thousand dollars, but the defense claimed a third person had to have been involved. Where would a seventeen-year-old stash so much money? And how? The prosecuting attorney claimed I had an accomplice, but lack of evidence helped to eliminate those charges.

The note shoved under the cabin door threw me back to the days when suicide looked inviting. Depression had stalked me like a shadow for as long as I could remember, and the two incidents since I’d been released coaxed me into a well of despair.

Officer Hughes stepped into my personal space and waved the note in front of my face. He conveyed his contempt without opening his mouth.

He whirled to Edie. “I warned you about spending time with an ex-con. You’re risking you and your kids’ lives for a stupid be-like-Jesus mission.”

As much as I disliked the man, he raised a good argument. “Officer Hughes, I agree Edie needs to keep her distance from me until the issues are resolved.”

“More than six feet,” he said.

Edie stood from the sofa. “I won’t be told what to do.”

My new friend had a bit of naiveté going on. “We can’t be seen together as friends. You and your children take priority, whether the threats are connected to me or something else.”

Her countenance fell. She closed her eyes—not for drama as much as helplessness. “You’re both right. I’ll stay away until an arrest is made.”

“We’ll visit in person when this is over. You’ve been a tremendous source of encouragement, Edie. Because of you, I have a plan and can move forward.”

“Shelby, you have a job, and I planned to help with the transportation.”

“Never have I expected you to cater to my needs. I have two good legs, and I can take care of myself.”

She shook her head. “It’s five miles each way, and—”

“I’ll loan her my bicycle,” Officer Hughes said. “Anything to keep you two apart.”

Edie braced her hands on her hips. “You’ll bring it today?”

“I suppose.”

What a good turn for the day. “I’ll store your property inside the cabin until I purchase a lock and chain. And I’ll take good care of it until I can buy my own bicycle.”

“What about your online research?” Edie said. “We were going to work on your business plan together.”

“I’ll use a computer at the library, and we have our phones.”

Officer Hughes huffed. “Great idea, Shelby.” I despised the way he spoke contempt into my name. “That way you won’t be imposin’ on anybody. Make sure you don’t take matters into your own hands, or I’ll have to pick you up.” He focused on Edie. “You’ve listened to reason, so wrap this up. We have no idea who could be watching the place.”

“Sundays,” Edie said.

Officer Hughes and I stared at her for clarification.

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