Chapter One
The air was thick with anticipation. A massive crowd sat gathered under a bright blue sky that promised a beautiful day full of possibilities. It was an intoxicating feeling, and people sat forward in their chairs almost as if they were just waiting for the signal to jump up and celebrate.
On the podium, the speaker paused strategically. He knew what he was doing, he could see it on their faces. The suspense was killing them. He smiled to himself. Years of preparation. Weeks of practicing. This was his moment. He wasn’t about to let it go without milking it for all it was worth. Only when there was a sudden outbreak of nervous fidgeting did he break the dramatic pause.
“Friends, this is it. This is the end.”
He spoke grandly, his voice echoing pleasantly over the sea of expectant faces. Here, someone grinned back at him. There, someone rolled their eyes but smiled good-naturedly.
“That doesn’t mean that our job is done. No, this is where we start anew. From this single moment, we build the rest of our lives.”
His face was shining proudly, and his puny chest was puffed with pride as he surveyed his former classmates like a king might look over his kingdom. Behind him, seated among her former colleagues, Jessica Scott rolled her eyes. She leaned over to the person sitting next to her and scoffed almost imperceptibly.
William, or Bud, Wilson was used to her antics and had been expecting this reaction ever since the speech began.
“I’d rate it a five on the cheese scale,” he whispered, the corners of his mouth quirking up in amusement.
Together, the two of them had sat through countless graduation ceremonies. They’d heard ‘Carpe Diem’ shouted, recited, and lovingly uttered by every single valedictorian. Somewhere along the line, they’d come up with the cheese scale. They’d sit through each speech and when it was all over, they’d discuss that year’s offering. A one on the scale meant that the student had delivered a truly thoughtful, inspired speech, without depending on the usual clichés. A ten meant that the speech was so bloated with clichés and overly sentimental drivel that the student had probably just Googled ‘graduation metaphors’ and left it at that.
So far, no-one had ever managed to get a one. Eights were more common than one would hope, with sevens and sixes following close behind. Only one student had managed to get a two. It had been a remarkable speech. The only reason it hadn’t received the coveted one was because the speaker chose to end the presentation by exhorting the listeners to “Carpe Diem!” Shortly after, the student had joined the army, and no one had heard from her since. Jessica liked to think that the unusual student was probably in an Intelligence agency, protecting the country from terrorists.
This thought kept her pleasantly occupied for a while, until a wave of cheers broke out over the crowd.
“It’s time to spread our wings and fly!” the valedictorian cried passionately. “Where the winds take you is up to you.”
Jessica groaned louder than she’d intended to, and a young teacher up front swiveled around to shoot her a death stare. Jessica winked at her, then stared dutifully ahead.
Despite her criticism, Jessica couldn’t help the lump that grew in her throat as she watched the overzealous valedictorian bang his fists on the podium. The boy was well on his way to scoring a nine on the cheese scale. And even though she’d heard the tired words a thousand times over, there was always something about doing something for the last time that made it feel as special as the first one.
This would be the last cheesy valedictorian speech she’d hear until her grandchildren graduated. Thirty-three years as an educator had all led up to this moment. And the boy giving the last speech she’d ever attend as a faculty member was now so impassioned that a little spittle was flying from his mouth.
It was bittersweet. The poor teenager had the mammoth task of not only saluting his graduating class, but also the entire school. This wasn’t only Jessica’s last graduation; it was the last graduation the school would ever have.
“Fly high, seniors!” the student shouted in conclusion, punching the air. The senior class and their families roared in approval. It was almost over.
“Thank you, Antony,” the headmaster, a quiet little man almost bent over with age, said warmly. “What a fitting send-off. Not only for our seniors, but also for our beloved little school. It’s been a joy serving here all these years, but now it’s time to say goodbye and thank you.”
The students were all beaming excitedly, but behind them, the adults were more solemn. The school district had decided to consolidate the high school with the nearby school in Woodward. About three months from now, there would be a mass exodus of teachers and students to the nearby town. Anyone with ambition knew that Lake Pleasant had nothing to offer anymore.
The school closing was just another reminder that time marched forward, and Lake Pleasant wasn’t enough to hold the young, modern, or ambitious. How long before people had to move to find work?
Under the veneer of celebration, and the students’ excitement, was an underlying current of worry and fear. The townspeople couldn’t place their fingers on it, but something was looming on the horizon.
Jessica felt the faint anxiety in the air. She looked around at her former colleagues. Some, like the young disapproving teacher, seemed as excited as the students. Others, like Bud, seemed a little on edge. She wished she could make it better for them, or at least ease the tension. For weeks, it had seemed like people were on the verge of snapping. They all agreed that they needed a distraction.
She smiled to herself. Well, one had presented itself. Soon, they’d all be together again, celebrating for a different reason. She only hoped that it would be enough to lift everyone’s spirits.
“To our bright students, we wish the best futures,” the headmaster continued. “And to our dedicated staff, we thank you for your service. As Antony put it, fly high, class of 2019!”
The headmaster smiled benevolently over the crowd, and there was a moment of confusion before one student whooped and tossed his graduation cap high into the air. A few seconds later, everyone followed suit, and caps flew into the air throughout the room.
Jessica watched the caps go up with a heavy heart. Just like that, it was over.
***
“I don’t think the speech was that bad,” scoffed a fellow teacher named Amy. She toyed with her drink before taking a deep gulp.
The teachers were all gathered at a bar at the end of town. It was their favorite watering hole. As teachers, they had to maintain a certain image. No small-town parent would want their children to be taught by a perceived alcoholic. That was why the bar at the very edge of the town had become a popular venue among the faculty. Hardly any townspeople ventured out there, and there wasn’t a chance of running into underage drinking.
It was always awkward when you looked up and saw one of your students doing shots. It made class the next day very uncomfortable.
“All I’m saying is that it could’ve been better,” another teacher argued. “It’s the school’s closing speech. I was expecting more.”
“What were you expecting from Antony Smith? The kid’s as subtle as a brick going through a window.”
Jessica sat back in her chair and looked around at her former colleagues. It might’ve just been the drink talking, but she suddenly felt fond of them all. When they’d heard that the school was going to be swallowed up into Woodward, they’d formed a strange little alliance. Petty squabbles over equipment and fridge space were quickly put on the backburner.
Teachers who previously couldn’t stand each other were suddenly working together, united in mutual concern. Even the gym and arts teachers, who’d never really gotten along, were discussing their plans for the future. Jessica had even heard they might be going on a date.
She felt a pang in her heart, and not for the first time she wondered if she’d made the right choice by retiring early. What did she know of life outside the school? How would she fill her days without her beloved students? Each year, a new challenge. The exciting and almost overwhelming feeling of meeting a new class for the first time.
A sip from her drink and a deep breath helped wash away the worries. She knew in her heart that it had been the right thing to do. The truth was that she hadn’t felt a thrill from teaching in a long time. That chapter of her life was over. It had been for longer than she cared to admit.
If she was being completely honest, it had all started back when Philip had been taken from her. Without him, life was different. She was different.
“Oh, you guys,” the spritely young teacher from earlier said with a break in her voice. “I can’t believe this is the last time we’ll hang out like this.”
“Don’t be silly, Nadia,” Amy said easily, putting her arm around Nadia’s shoulders. “We’ve still got the Dorsett-Parsley wedding to look forward to.”
Nadia’s face brightened considerably, and an excited bout of chatter rose up. Jessica curled her lip in distaste and quickly took another sip from her drink. There was something about a good gin and tonic that made Jessica feel better about things.
“I know that face,” Bud said, his tone teasing. “Don’t tell me you disapprove.”
She should’ve known. Bud was her closest friend. They’d both started at Lake Pleasant High at around the same time. He knew her better than most and could read her expressions like a book. It was no use trying to hide anything from him. He’d known before she did that she was planning on retiring. He had even suggested it to her.
Her mind wandered back to the late night spent marking quizzes and reviewing their curriculum. She was looking for a good topic for the seniors’ final history essay, while he (the equally beloved and feared science teacher) was looking for a good trick question for his own students.
That was what made him such a good teacher. He’d personalize every test to the class he was teaching. He’d help them improve on their weaknesses and highlight their strengths.
She’d been hunched over a textbook when she felt his gaze on her. When she had looked up, he’d met her eyes and solemnly asked her not to retire.
“Of course, I disapprove,” Jessica scoffed now. “Those two are in for one major wake-up call. And it’s not coming before its time, either.”
Bud knew immediately who she was talking about. Lee Dorset and Ann-Marie Parsley were both former students that the teachers knew well. The two families were pillars in the community, and the upcoming wedding was a much-needed distraction. No expense was being spared, and everyone was being invited, from former to current students as well as everyone who worked at the high school. Jessica couldn’t even guess how big the guest list was.
Lake Pleasant was home to about six thousand people, and every single one knew about the wedding of the year.
While everyone gushed and prepared for the massive event, Jessica couldn’t help but feel a little trepidation creep into her heart. Such a large gathering was always a magnet for trouble, especially considering the personalities of the bride and groom. The wedding was looming, and the closer it got, the more nervous energy surrounded it.
“They’re going to need all the help they can get,” Jessica said firmly. “They were both born with silver spoons in their mouths, and neither one has ever had to reach down deep to discover what they were made of. I think they’re both in for a rude awakening once they set up house together.”
“Oh, you’re still sore about Lee Sr. flexing his muscles to raise Junior’s GPA. Not that I blame you,” Bud surmised in amusement. He leaned back in his chair and looked around easily. She envied him that. He went through life easily. He dared to hope and look on the bright side of things.
She could tell he was excited for the wedding. Bud still believed in true love. Didn’t she? The question made her pause. Maybe. Jessica’s experience told her that true love was born from a strong bond but was only realized years into the marriage. Once the two people truly knew everything about each other and chose to stay together.
She strongly doubted whether Lee or Ann-Marie would endure the worst of each other. They were both used to things being simple for them. No hard work required there, just stretch out your hand and expect. In their defense, once they stretched out their hands, their mommies and daddies were quick to give them whatever they wanted. That was the problem with family money.
“Maybe so,” Jessica conceded begrudgingly, causing Bud to laugh at her. “Maybe I should consider that to be my wedding gift to the happy couple.” She laughed, imagining how shrew-like she sounded. “Seriously, Bud, look at us. Neither of us had everything handed to us. Both our fathers worked in the auto plants.”
“My dad was management,” Bud sniffed.
“Mid-level management,” Jessica countered, “and he worked his way up from the shop floor, took classes, and earned his degree at night. Earned it,” she emphasized. “When you talk of advantages, that’s priceless, isn’t it?”
“You can’t blame the kids, it’s not like they chose to be raised that way,”
Bud pointed out, literally pointing with the hand that held his beer.
“Besides, they’re not bad kids.”
Before she could counter that they weren’t good, either, someone tapped on their glass with a fork, catching everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Amy said with a proud smile. “I just wanted to thank you all for coming to our little party. I can’t wait to see you all again at Woodward next fall. I just know we’re going to take them by storm.”
There was a smattering of applause and the gym teacher whooped. She paused and winked at him.
“Unfortunately, there’s someone who won’t be joining us in Woodward.”
There was a disappointed collective “awwww” sound, and Amy pretended to pout. Jessica guessed what was going to happen next and sank down low in her seat, covering her face with one hand. Bud chuckled and nudged her with his elbow.
“That’s right.” Amy nodded. “Our dear Jessica decided to ditch us for early retirement.”
Someone booed playfully, and Jessica rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
“Come on up here, Jessica,” Amy said, waving her over. “Tell us what was worth abandoning us for.”
Jessica laughed out loud, and she stood up slowly after much ribbing from her colleagues.
“I’m sorry to be leaving you all,” she said with a smile. She wasn’t much of a public speaker, but she knew these people. It wasn’t hard talking to them like this.
Her mind flickered back to that night in the staff room after Bud asked her not to retire.
“Please, Jess, don’t do it,” he pleaded, his brow furrowed in shock as if he couldn’t believe he’d actually said it out loud.
“What are you talking about?” she asked in surprise.
She’d been toying with the idea in her mind, but she hadn’t said anything about it. It was a distant thought, one that was coming closer every time someone brought up Woodward and the schools consolidating.
“I don’t know,” he said sheepishly. “I just get this feeling that it’s what you’re going to do. I mean, you’ve been distant ever since it was announced. And whenever we talk about teaching at Woodward, you go quiet. I know you can do it; I just don’t want you to.”
“Bud,” Jessica said sadly, and she knew in that moment that her mind was made up. “I’ve been doing this for so long. A lifetime, really. I just don’t think it’s where my heart is at, anymore. I don’t think I have the energy to start all over again.”
“But you love teaching,” he countered, trying not to sound upset.
She could hear it in his tone, though, and see it in his eyes. Just as she couldn’t hide anything from her, he couldn’t hide anything from her.
“I do,” she promised. “But I’ve had enough now. There are other things I love doing that I never get a chance to.”
Her memory faded as she realized that everyone was looking at her expectantly. Now, it was six months later, and she was facing her colleagues. She took a deep breath and tried to think of something to say. Bud looked at her knowingly.
“I know I’ll miss all of you,” she said, looking at each in turn. “Especially coach’s famous egg salad sandwiches.” The group giggled in unison and the coach glared playfully at her. The smell of his sandwiches had ruined more than a few lunches for them. “But I’ve been teaching for so many years that I’ve forgotten what to do with myself.”
“Then what are you planning to do with all that free time?” someone called out.
“I’m going to read,” Jessica said determinedly. “I’ve got a list a mile long, it’s going to take me three-to-five books every week for a year just to get through it all.”
“I hope there are some classics on that list,” the English teacher said, pretending to sound stern.
“Not even one,” Bud said laughingly. “They’re all those tawdry detective books we wouldn’t let her read in peace.”
“Oh, no,” the English teacher groaned. “I thought you had better taste than the whodunnits!”
“There are some classics on the list,” Jessica cut in defensively, giving Bud an annoyed look. “And I’ve been toying with the idea of maybe writing something.”
Even Bud looked stunned at this little nugget of information. Her fellow teachers looked equally surprised and impressed. The loud English teacher even started clapping. Jessica smiled shyly and looked down at her hands. She hadn’t expected to tell people that yet. But maybe it was for the best. They say the best way to reach your goals is by telling a few friends.
Accountability might help overcome her fear.
It was an exciting sort of fear, something that she hadn’t felt in ages. It was the fear of stepping into the unknown, and Jessica was excited to grab hold of her new life with both hands. Even if she wasn’t completely sure what that new life entailed.
“Well, you’ve got big plans, and we’re excited for you,” Amy said, drawing all the attention to herself again. “We just don’t want you to forget us.”
“Oh,” Jessica scoffed, waving her hand casually. “That’s impossible.”
“Either way,” Amy continued, “we got you something to remember us by.” She made her way around the table and handed Jessica a colorful gift bag. Jessica felt shocked, then looked around at them all with misty eyes.
They looked back at her, their eyes shining with support and a little curiosity. Jessica reached in and drew out a heavy little plaque with her name and years of service engraved in the golden surface. At the bottom, it carried all their love and best wishes.
Jessica smiled happily and raised it proudly to show everyone. Behind her tight smile, there was an unfamiliar emotion that she’d have to wait to analyze.
For now, she had to smile and put on a brave face. After all, it was the last time they’d all be together until the Dorsett-Parsley wedding, and Jessica had a feeling that it wouldn’t be the same.
***
It was hours later when Jessica finally let herself into her dark home. The little house was simple, but it was a cozy place that spoke of decades of memories. It was over this threshold that her husband had carried her over all those years ago.
Then, only a few years later, her daughter had been born and raised in that same house. Now, she thought grimly, it was just her. That sentiment was amended as a black shape darted toward her and curled itself around her right leg.
Well, it was just her and Slinky, she thought warmly, picking up the cat and giving him a cuddle. He swatted her face playfully and she knew what he was after.
“You just want snacks, don’t you?” she accused, letting him jump to the ground. She put her plaque on the table and set about getting Slinky his dinner.
As she worked, her eye caught the light glinting off the surface of her gift. She put the cat’s food down and went to pick it up. Her thumb slid over the surface.
“Thirty-three years,” she murmured. “And all I have to show for it is this.”
She put the plaque down face-first, unable to bear the sight any longer. The house seemed to beat down on her in its emptiness. For twenty-nine years, she’d lived here with her beloved husband. Now that was true love. They’d spoken of this day for years. They’d had plans and ideas of what they’d do when they finally had the time.
Then, the cancer came and robbed them of their time. Those plans and ideas were useless to her, now. They all had his mark on them. She couldn’t see herself doing any of them without him. They’d wanted to backpack through Europe. And become qualified divers so they could explore blue seas.
Philip had proposed that they chase the summer, leaving whenever winter came. He knew she hated the cold. They’d had to put all their plans on hold when Amber came, but that wasn’t much of a sacrifice. They just assumed they’d wait until retirement.
Before she could sink into a familiar sadness, her phone pierced the quiet with an insistent ring. She quickly answered it, wiping away her tears.
“Mom?” Amber called over the sound of childish screams of delight in the background. “Can you hear me? Nick! Put down Nevaeh’s doll! James! Fetch the kids! Sorry, Mom.”
The sounds from the phone shattered Jessica’s lonely feelings. It was as if her daughter and grandchildren filled up her house and left space for little else. It made her tired. She wondered about her conflicting emotions, putting it down to the emotional day.
“Hello, darling,” Jessica said tiredly, sitting down on her armchair. Slinky, finally finished feasting, hopped onto her lap and started kneading with his paws. She pushed him off with a warning glance. When he jumped back on, he settled on her lap and kneaded the cushion, instead.
“I just wanted to know how the last graduation went?” Amber asked. It was obvious that she was walking around trying to find a quiet spot. She wasn’t succeeding. Her four-year-old-twins, Nick and Nevaeh, were following her, whining insistently.
Jessica rolled her eyes. Nevaeh. She’d warned Amber about naming a child after a fad, but what did she know? Her opinions had been pushed aside, and now the child had a Pinterest-perfect name for the rest of her life. Jessica had immediately rejected the name and started calling the child Nevvie, like Nellie.
She loved her grandchildren dearly, but they were exhausting. She was past the age of running behind children and cleaning up messes. She loved spoiling them, but she couldn’t wait until they were a bit older and she’d be able to converse with them.
“Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” came an insistent chorus from the other end.
“Can I call you back tomorrow morning, dear?” Jessica suggested. “I think things will be calmer than now.”
“Things are never calm, Mom,” Amber replied, exasperated. “But you’re probably tired. We can talk when we come down for the wedding.”
“You’re coming to the Dorsett-Parsley wedding?” Jessica said in surprise.
“Yes, Mom,” Amber said, her tone becoming even more exasperated, as if the answer was obvious. “Ann-Marie and I did cheerleading together. They were in the year below me, remember?”
“Of course,” Jessica said slowly.
“I worry about you sometimes,” Amber said, her tone becoming gentler. “You’re forgetting things more and more lately.”
“Amber, honey,” Jessica said, rolling her eyes at her daughter. “I love you very much, but I don’t remember every single detail of your life. Tell me in ten years’ time what Nevvie’s doll is called, then we can talk. Now, where will you be staying?”
“Oh, Mom,” Amber scoffed. “I don’t know. James found some place on the Internet.”
“Rubbish, I know there’s nowhere available for miles. Tourist season is gearing up, and you’d have to stay in Woodward or farther to find a room. That’s a 30-minute trip! I’ve plenty of room, and it’ll be a lot more fun for the kids than cooped up in a hotel room somewhere.”
Amber paused on the other end, and Jessica could just see her daughter’s face scrunched up thoughtfully. The image sent a searing pang through her heart.
She missed Amber.
“Are you sure it’s okay? I know the kids drive you crazy sometimes.”
“Nonsense,” Jessica stated flatly. “Nevvie and Nicholas are two of the greatest joys of my life!”
Slinky looked up from her lap, casting an accusatory glare at Jessica for this blatant lie. Thankfully, only the cat could tell she wasn’t being honest, and Amber agreed wholeheartedly.
When she put the phone down, Jessica sighed deeply and looked once more around her at the empty house. She’d figure it all out. Just as soon as this wedding was over.
“Until Murder Do Us Part” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!
Lake Pleasant is the type of town where you know all your neighbors, nothing is secret and gossip is rampant. This small town is now gearing up for its biggest event since its founding. Everyone is looking forward to the Dorsett-Parsley wedding, a massive celebration in honor of the town’s most popular and wealthy couple. This celebration of life though will quickly turn morbid as among the guest list, an unwelcome murderer has also been unwittingly included to join the festivities…
During the lively reception, a member of the bridal party, a bright young woman named Rachel West, drops dead. While everyone in town seems content with brushing the truth under the carpet by claiming the young woman died of natural causes, one resident will stand apart from the rest. A recently retired teacher and wedding guest, Jessica Scott, is determined to find the truth at all costs. No one but her seems to suspect the mystery around the death of the young woman and the town resists the terrifying truth that one of their own may be a killer. Armed with nothing but her wits and a hunger for justice, Jessica decides to investigate the murder by herself (and a sassy cat named Slinky). In the process, she’ll uncover horrifying secrets and a past that many would prefer to keep buried. The question is just how deceived could she have been about her not so innocent hometown?
From flower shops to the golf club, Jessica is more than willing to turn the town upside down in pursuit of the facts. She’ll face opposition from the most unlikely places and have to wade through an ocean of lies. Regardless of others wanting to conceal the truth, Jessica’s need for justice refuses to be silenced. Will Jessica manage to expose the shocking truth about what really happened to Rachel? Or will her death forever remain an unresolved mystery?
“Until Murder Do Us Part” is an intriguing cozy mystery novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cliffhangers, just pure captivating mystery.
Hello, my dear readers! I hope you enjoyed the preview of my atmospherically mysterious story! I look forward to reading your comments below!