Chapter 14 - Poison in Willow Creek
|
While peace had found the workshop in the pines, malice was gathering in the dining room of the Willow Creek Country Club.
Richard Vance sat at a corner table with three of the town’s wealthiest residents—including Mrs. Evelyn Higgins, the woman in the pearl necklace who had watched Henry dance with Rosie at the school.
"He's lost his mind," Richard declared, slamming his glass down onto the white tablecloth. "Henry Caldwell bought the mortgage on my aunt's property just to keep that woman in the house. He's throwing his money around like he owns the county!"
"It's improper," Mrs. Higgins agreed sharply, adjusting her cardigan. "A man his age, living alone in the woods, suddenly spending thousands of dollars on a young woman with a child from out of town? People are starting to talk, Richard."
"They ought to talk," Richard sneered. "I spoke to the county sheriff yesterday. I told him we need an investigation into Caldwell's business practices. He hasn't allowed a county inspector into his lumber yard in five years."
"Henry Caldwell has given millions to this town, Richard," a local banker at the table offered cautiously. "He built the library wing, he paid for the fire truck—"
May you like
"He did that to keep us from looking at his books!" Richard interrupted aggressively. "Mark my words—at the Town Hall Gala next week, I'm going to expose Henry Caldwell for what he really is. A hypocrite who thinks his money buys him the right to ignore the rules."
Mrs. Higgins smiled coldly. "And I'll make sure the school board hears about Laura Parker's presence at the dance. Willow Creek has standards, Richard. It's time we enforced them."
