Rustic Retreat to Die For: A Curious Cat Caper by Fern Cooper

Author:Fern Cooper [Cooper, Fern]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-10-21T16:00:00+00:00

10

Thanks to the fully functioning library internet, I was able to figure out that Lenny Olsen owned a local landscaping business called “Olsen Farm and Gardens.” I had less luck researching our departed friend, however. Only the same information as I had before, including verifying Marcie’s claim that his name is an alias. These dead-ends are getting old.

Deciding to spend just a little more time on identifying the people in the photos, I dial the number for the landscaper, and sure enough, Lenny picks up the phone. I give him a brief, haphazard explanation of the tin box I found on the old property and the photos it holds, and how I connected those photos to him.

“Where did you say you lived?” Lenny asks.

“Ruth Granger’s old place.” This is how all the locals referred to it, I’ve learned. “She was my aunt.”

“Ah. Those must be the barn dance photos,” Lenny replies. “Ruth sure did know how to throw a party”

“She what?”

“Oh yeah! It seems like those photos must have been from one of the barn dances we had over there. Ruth was always hosting some get-together or another.”

Leaving the party question for another time, I ask, “So, you were there?”

“Yep, I was there. And so was my sister, Dan’s mother.” He takes a moment to reminisce over the thought. “You know, lots of folks got together at those dances. Why, I met my wife Lisa there thirty-odd years ago. We were just kids then, but the heart wants what the heart wants, or so they say.” He laughs to himself and I smile companionably, even though he can’t see through the phone.

“I was wondering if you could help me identify some of the others in the photos, so that I might return them to the people who would enjoy them most.”

“Why, my dear, I would love to.”

“Could you possibly come over to the farm? Anytime is usually good. I’m basically just a renovating fanatic, so I hardly leave the place...except, you know, to hit the local library.”

“Sure thing. I can come over this afternoon,” Lenny tells me.

“That soon? Thanks Lenny. I really appreciate it.” I end the call and gather my things. Guess I better hurry up and get back. Time to schedule my favorite driver!

Craig must have been close by, because he arrives just a few short minutes after I order a ride through the app. I hardly have time to check out my latest books with Marjorie and listen to a stern ‘Libraries are not for socializing’ lecture.

“Hey, Craig! Thanks for being so prompt!” I tell my less than uber enthusiastic Uber driver as I pile into the backseat.

Without even looking at me he says, “Sure thing.” A typical, flat line Craig response.

I swear to myself that one of these days I am going to get my car to a mechanic. This guy is so darned dependable, it only encourages me to put it off even longer. And, although I can rely on him, like so many other cabbies, he’s prone to speeding.

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