Thin Crust Killers Page 19

  What had I gotten myself into? There was no way I could back out now, though. “I’ll see you tonight, then.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  He was still smiling as I left, and he didn’t touch his pizza slice until I was nearly back at the kitchen.

  Maddy had been watching every move, and she darted back into the kitchen as I did. “What did you promise him, anyway? Did you see the grin on that man’s face?”

  “I told him I’d sit with him tonight at the auction. That’s it.”

  Maddy frowned. “You must have offered him more than that.”

  “Trust me, I didn’t.”

  She shook her head and laughed. “I guess some men are just easier to please than others.”

  I was ready for a change of subject. “Is Bob coming?”

  “He didn’t want to, but I finally convinced him,” she said. “He’s bringing his checkbook, too. Maybe we’ll get lucky and have a bidding war.”

  “Maybe,” I said. “But I don’t want to take advantage of Lincoln.”

  “I’d say it’s a little too late for that, wouldn’t you?”

  I threw a dish towel at her, and she left. Was Maddy right? Was I taking advantage of the fact that Lincoln liked me? I had, and I suddenly felt really bad about doing it.

  Shaking my head in disbelief, I walked back out front.

  “Lincoln, I’m sorry,” I said. “I shouldn’t have pushed you into coming.”

  “You’re not cancelling on me, are you?” he asked, his expression shifting from bright to cloudy in an instant.

  “I asked you to come tonight knowing full well how you feel about being around other people, and I lured you into it by taking advantage of you. It was the wrong thing to do, and I know it.”

  His laughter surprised me.

  “Do you think my apology is amusing for some reason?” I asked him.

  “No, you misunderstand. Could you sit with me for a second? I don’t want to say this loud enough for everyone to hear.”

  I glanced around and saw that we had indeed drawn everyone’s attention in the pizzeria.

  I did as he asked, and once I was seated across from him, he said, “Let me explain my laughter. It was just the genuineness of your apology that set me off.”

  “I’m glad you found it so entertaining,” I said, my feelings still a little bruised by the encounter so far.

  “That’s not it at all. It was the laughter of relief,” he said.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I know you don’t, and that’s one of the things I find so endearing in you. Eleanor, I’ve been solicited for money by some of the best in the world, including my own grown children. And yet when I offered you a check earlier—the size of which would have startled you, I’m sure—you politely declined, insisting that I come to the auction myself instead.”

  “It wasn’t all that altruistic,” I said, hating myself for having to admit it. “I thought maybe you’d get caught up in the excitement and overbid for something. The only excuse I can offer is that I thought it would be good for you, too. You need to get out into the town a little more and let everyone see that you’re not some mysterious stranger. There are a lot of nice folks in Timber Ridge, and you’d know that if you just gave them the chance.”

  He patted my hand gently. “And that’s why I laughed. Even while you were trying to get money from me, a part of you was acting out of concern for me.”

  “It’s not much though, is it? I shouldn’t have asked you the way I did.”

  “My dear, that is precisely why I said yes. But I am holding you to your promise.”

  “Do you still want to sit with me tonight?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” he asked, clearly surprised by the question. “I’m no less interested in your company now than I was before. If it’s possible, it may have even increased.”

  “I don’t understand you; you realize that, don’t you?”

  He nodded slightly. “Perhaps a part of me likes being mysterious. Until tonight.”

  I couldn’t leave it at that, though. “Just so we’re clear, it’s not a date, you know.”

  “I’m well aware of it.” He patted my hand, then he said, “Now, if you’ll send your sister back to my table with a box, I’ll be on my way.”

  “Okay,” I said.

  Maddy cornered me before I could even get back to her. “What was that last bit all about?”

  “He wants a box for the rest of his pizza,” I said.

  “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it. Did I hear you actually admit that you tricked him into coming tonight?”

  “Something like that.”

  “And he wasn’t angry?”

  I shrugged. “You heard him laughing. He thought it was charming that I was so transparent about it.”

  “And here I thought I understood men,” Maddy said.

  “I wouldn’t beat myself up about it,” I said. “I don’t get it, either.”

  The City Hall basement had been transformed over the past few days. Items were displayed around the perimeter of the large meeting room, and most folks had outdone themselves offering up only their best for the festivities. At some point, donations of services and special treats had overtaken actual contributions until they were now in the vast majority. Maddy and I had even made a three-fold poster display offering a romantic dinner for two at the Slice. There was a great deal of interest at Paul’s display for baking lessons, though I doubted if most of the women there knew the difference between bread flour and baking powder. Lincoln’s draped contribution stood to one side, and I had no idea what it was, since I’d respected his wish to unveil it himself. Beside it was Art Young’s donation, nearly as massive as Lincoln’s offering. I had no idea what he’d donated either, since Art had called me and told me he wanted to surprise me as well. There were several folks trying to peer underneath both draped items to see what was being hidden, though. The center of the room was replete with folding chairs, while the auctioneer’s stage was at the head of the room. We’d found some old bunting from our annual July Fourth celebration, and we’d used it freely to decorate as well. As promised, Josh’s friend and his bandmates were playing softly in the background, doing songs that would fit into any country club setting and none of their own original pieces.

  Maddy came up and joined me as I finished surveying the room. She had a huge grin on her face. “Did you see Greg and Josh’s contribution?”

  “You bet I did. I’m just glad that they took my advice,” I said. “It’s a big job cleaning out someone else’s garage, and I’m proud of them for doing it. I just hope it makes more than their hot air balloon skydiving idea.”

  “I’m feeling a little underwhelmed by what we did. We should have offered more than dinner and dessert for our contribution,” she said. “Our display looks a little puny compared to some of the others, don’t you think?”

  “I don’t know, I think it’s charming,” I said. “Besides, running this thing has taken a lot more time than I ever dreamed it would, and don’t forget, we’re selling food and drinks, too.”

  “No, we’re selling cups and plates, remember? After we cover our expenses, we should have a nice check for the fund ourselves.”

  “I still think it’s a crazy idea selling plates, but it might just work. Do you think it’s time we started serving?”

  “We probably should. The natives are getting restless.”

  Maddy and I had a warming station set up, and we started plating pizza slices as Josh and Greg took care of the drinks. Bob Lemon was handling our cash till, and the lawyer had agreed to wear a Slice of Delight apron along with the rest of us.

  “I can’t believe you got him to put on an apron,” I said.

  Maddy frowned. “You wouldn’t believe how hard that was. Men can be such children sometimes, can’t they?”

  Bob said, “You know that I can hear you both, don’t you? I’m standing right here.”

  We walked ov
er to him, and Maddy kissed him soundly.

  “What was that for?” he asked. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Thanks for volunteering,” Maddy said.

  “Is there anything else I can do? If I’d had any idea what the pay scale was like, I would have offered to do more.”

  She laughed, and I joined in with her.

  I kissed Bob on the cheek as well, and then said, “You’re a lifesaver.”

  “I’m happy to help,” he said. “Now let me get this straight. We’re charging a dollar per cup and two for a plate. There are no refills, so everyone coming through the line has to pay each time. Is that right?”

  “Yes, but don’t forget, the cup and plate combo is five dollars.”

  He shook his head. “I told you before, that just doesn’t make sense. Why would someone pay five dollars for a combo for something they could get for three if they order them separately?”

  “It’s for charity, remember? Don’t you think it’s a fun way to generate some extra donations?”

  “Honestly? I think it’s insane.”

  “But you’ll still do it,” Maddy said firmly.

  Bob nodded. “Oh, I’ll do it all right. But I can’t imagine you’ll get any takers, no matter how good the cause is.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Bob grinned. “I’ll tell you what. If you get more than twenty people to do it, I’ll double their contributions myself.”

  Maddy held out a hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  Bob studied it for a second without taking it. “But you can’t go around soliciting business, agreed? This should be an honest test.”

  Maddy grinned. “Spoilsport. I guess I’ll agree, anyway.”

  “Let’s get started,” I said.

  I walked up to the band, and they started winding up their current song, as we’d arranged earlier. Lincoln wasn’t at the auction yet, and I wondered if he’d changed his mind. His dislike for being among people may have outweighed his desire to sit with me. I hoped he came, and not just for my sake. If the rest of Timber Ridge could get to know him as well as I did, I was sure he’d fit right into the community.

  I took the stage, feeling butterflies as I looked out over so many of my friends and customers. The town had done itself proud coming out in droves to support a worthy cause, but we’d see how successful we really were once the bidding started.

  “Good evening, and welcome to the first annual Auction for Action for Timber Ridge,” I said. Maddy and I had come up with the name, and hadn’t been able to think of anything to top it. If this was actually the first annual event, someone else was going to have to run it next year. We’d ended up with the name more for its alliteration than its accuracy.

  After the applause quieted, I continued. “Tonight, we’re raising money for a plaque to commemorate those who have fallen in the line of duty protecting us.” Greg had sketched a preliminary idea of what the plaque would look like, and I held it up for all to see. After a moment, I put it on the easel by the microphone, and then I took a list from my apron. “Let’s not forget that we’re here to have fun, to eat and drink, and to overbid on things we don’t really need,” I said, and the crowd chuckled.

  I softened my voice, but the microphone had no trouble picking it up. “But I thought it might be good to remember what we’re really doing here tonight.” I started reading from my researched notes. “Jack Brewster. Volunteer Firefighter. Died saving the Wilkes family on Pine Knoll. Timothy Grange. Police Officer. Died while trying to capture an escaped felon from Charlotte holding three people hostage.” I read through the list, trying my best to fight the tears that were starting to creep into my voice as well as my eyes. I finally got to the last entry and read out, “Hank Webber. Security Guard. Died trying to save nine of our citizens during a bank robbery.” I folded the sheet and tucked it back into my apron. “Let us now have a moment of silence for those who have fallen protecting us.” After a few moments passed, I finished with, “We’re going to leave some blank spaces on the plaque, something each of us should think about tonight. Heroes are all around us. Some of them haven’t been identified yet, but there is no doubt in my mind that there are those among us who will merit joining this list someday.”

  There was a somber silence, and I wondered if reading the list had been too much. I had to do something to get things back to a happy mood, or folks would be too sad to bid on anything. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you about before I get off the stage and we can get started. I want to remind you all that we’re selling plates and cups over by the kitchen, and if you happen to want some free pizza or soda to go with them, we can accommodate you.”

  That got a few chuckles, but not enough. I decided to tilt the balance in Maddy’s bet with Bob in her direction. “Now, some folks might be scratching their heads at our special, but remember it’s for a good cause. For tonight, we’re asking that you suspend your desire for a bargain and go for the five-dollar deal. Remember, cups are a dollar, a slice of pizza is two, but you can have them both for five dollars even.”

  That achieved the laughter I’d been hoping for. I turned to the band, and as the crowd applauded, they began playing and I exited the stage.

  Maddy grinned at me as I joined her.

  “I didn’t know you were running for mayor,” she said.

  “I’m not. Why would you even say something like that? Have you lost your mind?”

  “Listen, Sis, if they held the election tonight, you’d win unopposed. Who knew you’d be so good at public speaking.”

  “To be honest with you, I was scared to death the entire time,” I said softly.

  “If you were, it didn’t show.”

  Bob joined us. “Hey, that was a cheap shot on stage. I thought this was going to be a fair test, and then you’re up there backing your sister.”

  “She held up her end of the bargain,” I said. “Maddy didn’t say a word, and she had no idea that I was going to do it.”

  Bob just shook his head. “I pity the man who ever tries to go up against the two of you,” he said.

  “That’s probably something good to remember,” I said. “Are we ready?”

  “Let’s go.”

  The pizza and drinks flew off the table, and we were all so busy I didn’t realize we’d run out of food until I opened the last box.

  I called out to Maddy, “This is it. After this box, the food’s all going to be gone.”

  “That works out great. We ran out of soda five minutes ago,” she said. “Bob, the kitchen is officially closed, so you can shut it down.”

  “You know, when we were baking this afternoon, I thought we were going to end up throwing out a dozen pizzas,” I said as I marveled at all of the empty boxes.

  “People have a way of stepping up, even when times are hard,” Maddy said.

  Greg and Josh came back into the kitchen. “If it’s okay with you, we’re going to go do a little advertising for our contribution.”

  “I’m glad to see you took my advice,” I said.

  Greg looked at Josh, then back at me. “What are you talking about?”

  “The last I heard, you were going to offer some kind of insane adventure. I’m the one who suggested you clean, remember?”

  “You said an attic or a basement,” Josh said.

  “A garage is a totally different thing,” Greg added.

  I grinned at them as I asked, “How do you get that? They’re the same thing, and you both know it.”

  Greg looked at Josh, then said, “That’s it. I’m never letting her park my car.”

  “Me, either. It’s hard to tell where it will end up.”

  “Go on, you two comedians,” I said.

  After they were gone, Maddy and I finished cleaning up while Bob counted the money we’d taken in. There was a fifteen-minute break before the auction started, and our auctioneer was out in the hallway warming up his vocal cords. There was still no sight of Lincoln, and I’d just about given u
p hope that he was going to make it.

  Maddy and I finished just as Bob joined us. “I still don’t think it’s fair, but you won. I’ll cut you a check tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Maddy said as she smiled at him. “Eleanor did kind of tip the scales in my favor.”

  “Honestly, I don’t think that really mattered. We had forty-two people order the special. Amazing.”

  I laughed. “I think it’s wonderful.”

  Bob nodded. “After subtracting your costs, you’ve raised four hundred and twelve dollars. That’s close to what you need for the plaque, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, but let’s not tell anyone. We don’t want to do anything that might hamper the bidding.”

  Maddy asked me, “Then what are we going to do with the rest of the money?”

  “I have a suggestion,” Bob said. “Why don’t you open a trust account for next year’s fundraiser and deposit it there.”

  “Slow down, Counselor. I’m not going through this again,” I said.

  “Don’t worry about that now. We’ll figure it out later,” Maddy said.

  “I mean it,” I said.

  “Of course you do,” my sister replied.

  “It took way too much of our time, and it was entirely too much work,” I insisted.

  “Let’s just go enjoy the auction,” Maddy said.

  “I’m not doing it,” I said yet again. Maybe if I told them both enough, it would sink in.

  I was pleasantly surprised to find Lincoln sitting near the front of the platform, his jacket draped over the seat beside him.

  “Hey, you made it,” I said.

  “Was there any doubt in your mind?”

  I shrugged as I took my seat. “Maybe a little. I was a little concerned when you didn’t show up for pizza.”

  “You know I have it only once a week. Don’t worry, I made it in plenty of time. We’ve got a problem, though.”

  “What’s that?” I scanned the crowd of folks still milling among the displays. If there was something wrong, I couldn’t see it.

  “My donation. It doesn’t fit the theme of the night. Nearly everyone else is donating their time and service, but I gave something a little more concrete.”