Chapter Fourteen
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Lost in their own thoughts from the startling discovery, both Katy and Doug were quiet as they walked back to the truck. After waiting for Butch to jump in the back, he started the drive back across the field and Katy was the first to speak.
“That poor man,” she mumbled. “How has he survived?”
“I expect luck was on his side.”
“If luck was on his side why was he poisoned in the first place? I wonder who did it, and why?”
“I don’t know how to answer that. I assume you want to pick up the chicken soup from the Moonshine Campground restaurant.”
“Yes, along with my truck and a few clothes. But before we go over there, would you mind heating me up some of your amazing hot chocolate?”
“Not at all. I’ll have to make some more tonight. That will be the last of it.”
“Doug, I just had a thought. The campgrounds might be better for Jim. For starters, the cabin is in a perfect location—right at the back next to the woods. If he wants to get out and take a walk he can.”
“But are you sure you want to spend that kind of money? You can’t be earning much at the pastry shop. I’d pitch in of course. I’d do anything for that man.”
“It’s not a problem.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Because it’s off season I got a deal and I paid in advance. But besides that, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. He can put a Do Not Disturb sign on the handle, and have the meals left at the door. I can tell the manager I’m letting my uncle stay while I’m visiting Annie Baker.”
“Ah, right. I know she had her wedding there.”
“Exactly. She’s a big star, and if they know she’s my friend they won’t object. They wouldn’t anyway. If I want to let my uncle stay there that’s my prerogative.”
“Actually, Katy, the more I think about it, the more I like it. He won’t have to worry about cooking.”
“Exactly. He can just kick back, rest, and get his strength back. But he needs some clothes.”
“I can give him some of mine. This is brilliant. Katy, you’re a genius.”
“I have my moments,” she said with a giggle as they stopped at the house. “Just drop me off at the campground and I’ll talk to the manager while I’m waiting for the chicken soup. I’ll bring it directly back to him and give him the news.”
“And I’ll run into town and pick up the Activated Charcoal and antacids. Thank goodness Billy is here.”
* * *
When Katy returned, she and Doug drove back to see Jim, but they left Butch at the ranch. She poured the chicken soup into a bowl while Doug gave him a bag containing plenty of warm clothes, and the pills he had asked for.
“But that’s not all. We have some wonderful news,” Doug began.“You can stay at the Moonshine Campgrounds in a private cabin and no-one will disturb you. Even better, your meals will be delivered and left at the door.”
“How is this possible?” Jim replied as Katy handed him the soup.
“I already had it booked but I’m here at the ranch now,” she replied. “I’ve spoken to the manager and told him you’re my uncle and I want you to stay there to recover from a nasty flu. He’s promised to tell the staff to steer clear.”
“Once again there are no words that can express my gratitude,” Jim stammered. “Feeling the weather getting so much colder, I had no idea how I’d survive the winter. Actually, there have been times just recently I’d thought I’d die in that cave. You’re literally saving my life.”
“And you saved Bigsley,” Doug said, lowering his voice. “Finish your soup, then you can get cleaned up and put on some new clothes.”
* * *
A short time later Jim moved into the bathroom, and when he reappeared he looked like a different man. He’d not only taken a hot shower, he’d shaved off his scraggly beard, slicked his hair back, and was wearing jeans and a warm, cable knit sweater.
“You look like Doc Green again, though a bit thinner of course,” Doug exclaimed. “I also have an oilskin coat in the truck for you. If you want to take a walk in the woods it will keep you warm and dry. Since that fur coat you were wearin’ isn’t real I can wash it in the machine we use for the blankets.”
“It sure needs it,” Jim said with a sigh.
“You look so different without that beard!” Katy declared. “In fact I remember you now. You came into the shop with your wife.”
“Yes, but that was a while ago, just before I started becoming ill. Strange thing, she was always trying to get me into cable knit sweaters. I used to tell her I’m just a simple country vet and they made me feel like a Harvard Grad from a wealthy family. But I have to say, I really like this.”
“I don’t mean to pry,” Katy continued, lowering her voice, “but once you’re feeling better can you tell us what this is all about? We want to help you sort it out if we can.”
“Of course, though I’m not sure what can be done,” Jim said with a heavy sigh. “It’s a long story, but…uh…I know it was Beth—my wife—who poisoned me. I should say, her and her boyfriend.”
“Oh, my goodness.”
“Yeah, it was bad. If they find me…”
“They won’t,” Doug said firmly. “As Katy said, once you’re up to it tell us the story and we can take it from there. I got my life back, and I’m going to make sure you get yours back too. But I must ask, why don’t you want the sheriff to know about this. Perhaps he can—”
“I know he’s a good guy and does things by the book, but I have my reasons. I will explain. Just not now.”
“No, not now,” Katy interjected. “Now you need to sleep, eat, and sleep some more. When you’re ready to talk we’ll be there.”