Free Bury the Hatchet in Dead Mule Swamp by Joan H. Young

I’m sorry.”
    “Thank you, but it was
quite a while ago. Anyway, Bernice had an impeccable social
conscience. She would invite all the right people to parties, and
keep things on an even keel when those with differing opinions got
too vocal. I’m afraid I haven’t even tried to keep up any sort of
calendar of entertainment for publishing colleagues, or even
friends.”
    “Would someone find that
worthy of a serious threat?” I thought that was a silly motive for
any kind of physical retribution.
    “ It seems unlikely, but
then, my thinking just doesn’t travel in those directions. For
some, being socially snubbed can be quite important.”
    If you’re in junior
high , I thought. Feeling bold, I ventured,
“I heard that Jack Panther might be angry with you over a lost
chance to buy the Cherry Blossom.”
    “It’s certainly possible,”
Jerry said thoughtfully. “I had forgotten about that, and I guess
the Pine Tree isn’t doing so well. The town could definitely
support one or even two restaurants, but Jack is letting the diner
become a wreck. That doesn’t encourage anyone but a few regulars to
patronize it.”
    I smiled as I recalled the
peeling duct tape and fly-spotted window sills.
    Jerry continued. “Jack’s
lack of pride in the physical facility, even though the food is
good, bears out my conviction that he couldn’t have adequately
managed a nice restaurant like the Cherry Blossom.”
    We finished our fish, and
Jerry poured some more wine. The waitress cleared the dishes and
placed a small plate of layered chocolate-mint candies between us.
She added a carafe of coffee and two cups.
    “Would you care for
dessert?” Jerry asked.
    “No thanks, these mints are
perfect,” I answered, unwrapping one and popping it in my mouth to
demonstrate my satisfaction.
    “Now it’s my turn to change
the topic,” Jerry said, also taking a mint. He unwrapped it
carefully with his long fingers and smoothed the foil wrapper into
a neat square. I noticed his nails looked professionally
manicured.
    “OK,” I said. “Fair
enough.”
    “I’ve really enjoyed
getting to know you tonight. I didn’t realize you had taught
Literature at the college level. I’d never say that Cherry Hill
lacks culture, but once in a while it’s nice to have a friend who
might be able to discuss a serious book with some
animation.”
    “Thank you. I’ve had a good
time too. You’ve given me a chance to reflect on my situation in a
new way.”
    “You are a beautiful woman,
Ana. I’d love to have dinner with you occasionally, if you are
amenable.”
    “Jerry, I, I...” I
stammered. The truth was, that as much as I had enjoyed the evening
and Jerry’s company, I was sure now that our age difference, and
some other fundamental differences, kept me from being attracted to
the man in a romantic way.
    “Ana, don’t jump to any
conclusions. Actually, I want to be quite clear on what I’m
proposing.”
    I watched the light from
the candle flicker across the tablecloth and sparkle on the wine
glasses. “Go on,” I finally said. I held my breath
apprehensively.
    “I need to be quite clear
on one thing. I’m not looking for a relationship beyond one of
friendship.”
    I let myself breathe.
“Friendship would be perfect,” I said with a sigh.
    “However,” he continued,
“what I have in mind is actually more risky. I’d like to involve
you in a conspiracy, if you are willing.”
     

Chapter 13
     
    “Conspiracy?” The word
itself was shocking. “I thought you were an upstanding citizen,
Jerry. What on earth do you have in mind?”
    “Oh, probably nothing
illegal, but it’s definitely on the sneaky side. You seem like the
right person to help me.”
    I wasn’t sure if that was a
compliment or not. “You think I’m sneaky?”
    “No, no, that’s not what I
meant. But you are certainly in an excellent position to accomplish
certain things,” he added cryptically.
    I poured a cup of coffee
and took a hasty swallow. I