Chain Piecing a Mystery: A Missouri Star Mystery, #1

chapter 1

The groan echoed into Jenny’s heart.

A sound that could curl her toes. Particularly when it came from the man she loved while sitting in a sterile doctor’s office.

She slid her hand along Ron’s arm and he quieted with a grateful look at Jenny.

Of all the days, right? Ron ran a hand over his carefully trimmed white beard, exhaustion filling his clear blue eyes. He stood a good six inches taller than Jenny but sitting next to him evened them out. He was the perfect mix of aged and handsome.

Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Dr. Butler will have us in and out quickly. She leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder. Besides, Birthday Bash happens every year.

Ron leaned back, eyes closed, in silent agreement.

It was strange how time stood still in a doctor’s office. The quiet hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle lull of footsteps in the hall created a kind of barrier that held the world at bay. While outside, the town of Hamilton was preparing for a party.

It was the weekend of the Missouri Star Quilt Company’s annual Birthday Bash as it collided with the town’s fall festival. It happened every year and by tomorrow morning Main Street would be lined with craft booths and food trucks. As the original host of the Missouri Star’s quilting tutorials Jenny played a big part in the weekend’s events and she would be booked from dawn till dusk . . . and sometimes longer.

It was one of her busiest weekends, but it was also her favorite party. Quilters traveled from all over the world to shop and participate in the celebration. And what better way to celebrate than with friends, fried foods, and all the crafting she could handle?

Someone paused outside their door, just before it swung open. A handsome man with a wide smile entered the room. Good morning, he said, holding out his hand in greeting. I’m Dr. Butler, you must be the Doans.

Jenny stood to shake his hand, taking in his could-have-been-a-television-doctor looks and shot a glance at Ron. Dr. Butler was not their regular doctor. Ron had happened to get sick during the only month in twenty plus years that Dr. Carmichael had taken a vacation.

Strands of ash sprinkled their way through Dr. Butler’s dark blond hair, with more than a sprinkling of hair product to keep it all in place. It gave him a distinguished look and Jenny suddenly understood why her assistant, Cherry, had been so anxious to get them scheduled there.

I’m seeing Ron today, correct? Dr. Butler removed his glasses, making eye contact with Ron. How are you doing?

Direct, handsome, and professional. Yes. Of course, Cherry was interested.

Could be better. Ron grumbled.

Dr. Butler moved through the motions of an initial exam and called in a nurse to do a throat culture. It was only a few minutes wait before he returned with another smile and the results.

It’s a pretty simple infection. We’ll get you some antibiotics and you should be ready to rejoin society in about a week.

Ron frowned, A week? Am I contagious or is that till I’m completely better? I don’t want to miss the events this weekend. Jenny and I always attend together.

Oh, right, this weekend is a pretty big deal for Hamilton, isn’t it?

And Missouri Star, Jenny nodded. There’s a hypnotists show this evening that I’m helping with.

Dr. Butler laughed. The hypnosis show? I heard about that. What’s he calling it again? The Greatest Show You’ll Never Remember? The doctor’s laughter calmed when the Doans didn’t join him. The Missouri Star was hosting it and they were very excited.

Dr. Butler cleared his throat. That’s when you should be fully better, but you do need to lie low for a bit. You’ll still be contagious for several days after you start your antibiotics.

Is that all we can do? That’s basically the whole weekend. Ron’s frown tugged at Jenny’s heart strings, and she turned back to Dr. Butler.

These things take time, The doctor said, tapping his pencil on his knee. While I can’t keep Ron in bed all weekend, it does take a while to clear an infection.

Jenny watched Ron’s face fall. It would be her first Birthday Bash without Ron by her side. Jenny wasn’t looking forward to that either.

The doctor held the door for them excusing the couple to the lobby. Jenny wandered the waiting room while Ron stood at the counter waiting for the doctor’s receptionist, Nancy, to complete the appointment charge.

One of the bookshelves was filled with old medical journals and antique operating tools. Jenny loved antiques and it seemed Dr. Butler did too. Though she collected vintage irons and sewing machines, while Dr. Butler collected giant, old syringes with fat needles that could easily be used to inject a Thanksgiving turkey.

As disturbing as some of them were, they were also beautiful. The handles were bright silver, with gold and brass accents, stamped in curling patterns.

She picked up a wooden drill with a spiraling bit almost as thin as the syringe. If nothing else, it made the room interesting, and made her more grateful for modern medicine.

Dr. Butler? Nancy, jumped from her seat, a smile appearing on her bright red lips.

Jenny fumbled the antique drill, almost dropping it on a brass microscope. Nancy’s surprise had startled Jenny and Dr. Butler hurried over taking the vintage tool from her and replacing it on the appropriate shelf.

I’m sorry, Jenny said. These are very intriguing.

I’m glad you like them, Dr. Butler said. For me, they’re more than intriguing, they’re inspiring. Most of these tools have been in my family for years.

Jenny’s eyes widened looking at the drill. I hope some of them were carpenters.

She said it without thinking and thankfully Dr. Butler laughed, They’re pretty primitive but that’s why they’re inspiring. Even with limited resources they persisted in trying to help people.

Dr. Butler looked back at Ron. His brow furrowing. You know, I may have an option for Ron. I have been working with a fast-acting antibiotic in my research program.

Jenny shook her head, I don’t think we’re looking for clinical trials.

No, no, Dr. Butler held up his hand. It’s not like that. We’ve been using this to soothe symptoms of patients in a chronic health environment when the experimental drugs aren’t working. It helps fatigue, and minor cold like symptoms along with fighting bacterium. He turned a particularly vicious looking syringe over revealing a floral stamp in the brass plunger. It surprised her and she looked back at Ron. She could use with a surprise like that.

Dr. Butler let out a breath and turned to her, as if resolved. I can’t promise anything, but it could help contain the infection so Ron could feel up to being out and about this weekend.

The hope felt like a lifeline and Jenny looked to Ron. Did you hear that? What do you think?

He’d come closer when the doctor started talking. If it gets me better, why not?

He sniffled and Jenny squeezed his hand. We’ll try it. I’m not sure I’ll make it through this weekend without him.

Well, I’d hate to lose both of you. Dr. Butler chuckled at his own joke and gestured to the lobby chairs.

The doctor made some notes. Why don’t you have a seat in the lobby and I’ll get you some samples before you leave.

Jenny watched as Dr. Butler disappeared through a door behind the reception desk. I can’t believe he’s making this happen.

Ron sniffed and wrapped his arm around Jenny. Do you have the insurance card? I can’t find mine.

Jenny looked up surprised. Insurance? She laughed I was just thinking Dr. Butler was being quite the hero. We might be getting our festival weekend back.

Cherry really needed to meet him.

He really is a hero. Nancy sighed, eyelashes fluttering.

Jenny raised an eyebrow at the oblivious woman. Back off Nancy, she thought. I’ve got plans for that doctor. She needed to get Cherry over here quick if she was going to have a shot at getting to know the doctor before some other Nancy made that impossible. It’s possible Dr. Gregory Butler was the most eligible bachelor in county, probably the state.

Here’s that insurance card. Jenny pulled the card from her wallet and held it out to the smitten receptionist without response. Nancy? How’s Harry doing?

Nancy sobered slightly. Bringing up Nancy’s boyfriend might not be the most subtle hint, but it would hopefully be effective. I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him recently. He’s been a little preoccupied.

He’s been preoccupied . . . or you have? She bent her head, digging into her purse to keep herself from saying something she’d regret.

Nancy fell into her seat, not doing anything for several blinks of long gauzy eyelashes. Harry told me he was going to get us a place and then he couldn’t even get a loan. I’m not interested in someone who can’t be responsible for himself. Dr. Butler, he knows how to take care of people.

Harry’s a great guy. Jenny insisted. He’s been working for Missouri Star for over a year. I’m surprised he couldn’t get a loan.

Jenny glanced at the door where the doctor had disappeared. Doctors aren’t the only ones who do alright. You should come to the big show tonight. I’m sure he’ll be there.

Nancy glanced up after finally starting to enter their information at her computer. Oh! I’m so excited about Eddie’s show. She tapped a few things on the computer and something started printing. But Dr. Butler isn’t going to be there. I asked him to come but he said he’s busy.

That’s not who I meant.

Jenny gave Nancy an appraising look. Very clever. The show was the perfect place to take a date. Or meet one, if Jenny could get both Cherry and the doctor there.

Not who you—Oh, Harry . . . Nancy forced a smile. Right. Nancy watched Jenny for a moment then turned away retrieving Ron’s paperwork from the printer. She handed it to Jenny. You know I went to school with Eddie. It’s pretty amazing how well he’s done. He even gave up being a doctor. From what I heard. He’s doing very well, not being a doctor. People find their passions all over don’t they. Now he’s the Great Eduardo.

Nancy looked up from under her lashes. Jenny caught the message. Touché. He’s doing very well.

Nancy grinned. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs his grocery receipts as ‘the Great Eduardo’. Now that he’s famous.

Jenny laughed. Surely not.

Nancy giggled. I was only a freshman when he was a senior, but he’s always had a lot of, well, let’s call it . . . confidence.

Dr. Butler came back into the lobby with a handful of bottles setting them out on the counter in front of Jenny. Mix a teaspoon of this with a glass of water once a day and keep me updated if things get worse. The doctor gripped Ron’s shoulder. Get some rest. We’ll take care of you.

It’s a shame you’re too busy to come to the big show tonight. Jenny shot Nancy a smile and turned back to Dr. Butler. I understand the Great Eduardo puts on quite a performance. He’s always had a flair for the dramatic.

Dr. Butler raised his eyebrows. I’m sure Eddie is very entertaining, but I know better than to let anyone tell me not to believe my own mind. I’ve been through medical hypnosis courses, and no one is really successful at it.

Oh, no, Dr. Butler. I tried it in college, Nancy announced. I helped my roommate get over a bad breakup, like that. She snapped of her manicured fingers as if it proved her story. It worked.

Dr. Butler didn’t look impressed. I’m not stopping you, but I won’t be there. See, I’m a real doctor.

So, he won’t be meeting Cherry at the show.

Jenny wasn’t sure it was the right thing, but she was going to find a way.

chapter 2

I need a peach pie. Please. Cherry’s Southern twang rolled across the park like a Texan heat wave in the middle of the cool Missouri fall.

I hate to burst your bubble but there are no peach pies here. Jenny whispered to her assistant and friend.

Cherry let a half grin pull up one side of her mouth. Trust me.

The owner of the pie booth tipped his hat and disappeared under the table of non-descript white packages. Each bag hid a pair of Amish hand pies.

In Jenny’s opinion the sugary delights were one of Hamilton’s hidden treasures. She scanned labels like blackberry, apple, lemon, even chocolate. None bore the classic peach flavor. She hadn’t seen it there in weeks. Are you sure he still makes peach?

Cherry’s jaw dropped. Of course, he makes peach. You can’t sell pie and not have peach. He sells out quick as a lightning bug blink. So, he saves me some.

Cherry shot Jenny a triumphant look as the man in suspenders and straw hat reappeared with the coveted peach pies in hand.

Cherry paid him and winked turning his cheeks rosy despite the chilly breeze. The two women turned to the park as Cherry pulled one of her pies from the bag.

Did you want one? She offered, taking her first bite of sugary goodness.

No, Jenny answered too quickly based on Cherry’s raised eyebrow. It’s too early for pie. Just tell me what’s next on our schedule.

She realized too late that she’d made a critical error. Cherry’s mouth hung open in horror, her pie frozen halfway to a bite.

She recovered quickly, handing Jenny the second pie. I think my mama just rolled over in her grave. Jenny Doan, you take that back. This is a fruit-based pastry. It’s a complete Southern breakfast.

Jenny handed the pie back when Cherry paused. I won’t stop you. It’s just not normal for me. I need protein.

Cherry shook her head, adjusting the pie in her hand. Fine, she said. don’t eat, but we’re meeting Misty for a social media Live event.

Jenny turned to where Misty was set up as someone dashed past in a blur of gingery orange.

Cherry stumbled forward, dropping her phone and crunching the remaining pie between her fingers. The overwhelming smell of peaches exploded, along with a surprising amount of filling, as Cherry cried out.

Cherry! Jenny lunged after her at the same time trying not to lose the man who’d flown by.

In deep orange slacks and bushy sideburns, he was easy to track but would be harder to catch. He pressed his way through the park knocking people out of the way without apology.

Oh, it’s definitely peach, Cherry said, shaking filling from her hands and pulling Jenny’s attention back, not cherry.

It took Jenny a moment to let go of her sense of justice before she could process and laugh at Cherry’s humor.

Cherry nodded in appreciation. Thank you. Now, do you have a napkin? This is a mess.

Sorry, I don’t, Jenny said, still tracking the guy who’d hit her. She didn’t understand why someone would do that and not stop to at least apologize or acknowledge it had happened.

It’s fine. But if I can’t find a truck load of napkins, I’m going to have to go change. Cherry shrugged.

What do you mean? Jenny asked, stifling her grin. The peaches match your blouse perfectly. Cherry’s shirt was painted in pie and if Jenny didn’t think about who’d done it, she found the whole problem a lot funnier.

Cherry looked at her pale orange blouse and gave a snarky grin. That’s not what I was going for.

Jenny finally let herself laugh as she retrieved Cherry’s phone. The chaos of the park caught her eye. The inconsiderate man had left a path of destruction in his wake. He stood at the back corner of the theater, his hand supporting him against the brick wall. Maybe she could go talk to him. Show him what he’d done.

Squinting to make out his face, she fought with her mind trying to decide if she could trust her eyes.

Harry? She muttered looking closely. His thick sideburns and lanky figure were so familiar, but Harry was a good kid. Why would he act so carelessly?

He glanced back and Jenny flinched. It was true. Harry Bolding, Nancy’s boyfriend or ex-boyfriend, had just rampaged his way through the park. He worked with her son Al. Jenny should have recognized him sooner.

Cherry waved a sticky hand in front of Jenny. Hey there, she said trying to get Jenny’s attention. I’m going to go clean up. The guy at the pie stand has got to have something I can use.

Let me help. Jenny chastised herself for getting distracted again. She should be helping Cherry.

Aunt Jenny!

Jenny spun toward the voice. It wasn’t her normal title at quilt functions and Jenny quickly spotted her niece jogging toward her, blonde ponytail bouncing as she skirted people and vendors.

Lissa! Jenny grabbed the young woman up in a hug. I haven’t seen you for days. Who let you out of the cutting booth?

Lissa’s youthful laugh did a lot to center Jenny again. I escaped that a week ago! I’ve been working with Al and Harry in the finance department.

Oh, are you guys headed somewhere? Harry went that way. Jenny pointed but he was gone.

Lissa pulled back, shaking her head. No way. He ran off to take care of something. I came to have fun! Then she caught sight of Cherry. What happened?

Oh, this? Cherry asked, extending her arm to fully display her pie disaster. Nothing. I just got a little too personal with my pie.

Jenny blushed. Sorry. I can help in a second.

Don’t you dare, Cherry said, already walking away. You two have fun. I’ll be right back.

Jenny reveled in the gratitude Cherry always seemed to produce in her and turned back to Lissa. So, how are things going?

It was all Jenny had to say to get Lissa talking excitedly about everything she’d been doing for the last month.

Lissa had called Jenny over the summer, after graduating with a business and marketing degree, and arranged an internship with the quilt company.

Behind her Jenny could hear a group of women collecting and knew she’d better get moving if she wanted to finish her conversation with Lissa.

She shot Cherry a text and the two of them started walking toward the booths near the road.

Detouring around large groups of people, Jenny absently steered them around the park while Lissa talked. After several questions Jenny happily shared how lucky they were to be in the business of quilting. Then with a quick movement, Lissa pulled them to a stop.

They’d walked further from the group