The Perfect Spouse Page 6

  He walked off with Jason thankfully walking beside him. “Mr. Harper, I’ve always been courteous to ladies, but that --- person doesn’t seem to want to understand that I’m not interested in her. She sure comes on strong.” Jason smiled weakly.

  “Yes. Well, Margaret is lonely and eager for companion-ship. She doesn’t seem to realize that she is actually pushing people away from her. If she would make friends with some of the ladies and maybe be invited to go on double dates, I think she’d be much happier. I’m sorry, but I may have to ask her to withdraw her membership.”

  “Oh, sir, don’t do it on my account. I can keep avoiding her and she’ll soon leave me alone. I’ve made friends with some of the gentlemen and they’ve been good to intercede.”

  “Jason, it isn’t just because of you. We’ve had other complaints. But enough of that subject. Let me introduce you to some really nice people. You were talking to some of them before you were interrupted. Tucker, come here, please, and meet our newest member.”

  A man, looking to be in his late twenties, walked to them with a big smile and held out a hand to Jason.

  “Jason, this is Tucker Weinstein. Tucker, help me make Jason feel at home and see that he get refreshments, please.”

  “My pleasure.” The young man turned pale blue eyes on Jason. Eyes so pale blue they almost looked silver. His skin was so tan that Jason thought he probably got it in a tanning machine. He was the same height as Jason, but more slender and not as well built. His blonde hair was almost silver and had a slight wave in it. His black, wool slacks and pale blue sweater were ideal colors on him.

  Tucker and Jason joined a group which was nibbling on refreshments and enjoying getting acquainted. Jason decided that he really liked these young men. He had never “buddied” around with other young people. First because of his father’s reputation and then because his grandparents didn’t encourage it. They were careful to keep him with them, loving him and helping him grow and mature.

  In college he had not had enough self-confidence to get close to other students. He concentrated on studying, making good grades and visiting with his grandparents as often as he could. Out of college, he was too busy establishing a business and trying to make a home with Linda.

  When Jason met Linda Ann Preston in college, he was too shy to make much of an impression. Linda had been observing him and liked what she saw and learned about him. After a time, they began to date and Jason learned that Linda truly loved him and was willing to build a future with him. He loved her with his whole heart. They attended church together and enjoyed many of the same activities. Most of all they enjoyed furnishing a home and planning for the future. For the first time in his life, he felt he had someone for himself and a reason to be content. Until the home invasion.

  * * * * *

  Jason had relaxed so much with this lively group of young people that he temporarily forgot Margaret Archer. A few women had joined the group of men and they were laughing and telling of funny experiences. Jason kept looking at Rose and thought he might try to get to know her better after the holidays.

  Suddenly his arm was jerked so hard that he almost lost his balance, grabbing hold of Gary kept him from falling. In fact, Gary saw him totter and reached out to catch him or he would have gone straight over. Perplexed, he looked around to see Margaret Archer grinning and rubbing up against him like a cat wanting attention. Jacob Openheimer scolded her for being so brash. Nigel and Tucker suggested that she go find someone in her own age group. She had answered that men her age were stuffy and boring and had never learned how to entertain a woman.

  Although Jason did not care for Margaret, he didn’t like the idea of being hurtful or rude to anyone. He took his hand to remove her hand from his arm, but she grabbed his hand as if she were drowning and needed him to save her. He did not smile. “Margaret, I appreciate you finding me interesting, however, I did not join to find a romantic companion and I sure don’t do one night stands.”

  “In other words,” Nigel broke in, “get lost immediately.”

  Margaret pouted in what she probably thought was sexy and would not leave Jason alone. “Give me a chance, Jass. If you’ll get to know me, you’ll be glad you did.”

  Gary stepped between Jason and Margaret. “How many times and how many ways does the poor man have to tell you that he is not interested?”

  “But he would be if he’d only give us a chance and let us have a date.”

  “He’s not interested!” Gary, Nigel and Tucker spoke as one. They then looked at each other and broke out laughing.

  Joe and Elaine Harper had been observing the group and walked over to them. “I’m so happy you young people have made friends and are enjoying the evening,” Elaine gushed.

  Mark Clark had been quiet until now. “We really would enjoy the evening if Margaret would go away and mind her own business. She can’t even be insulted. Sheesh. What a hard-headed woman.”

  “Margaret, I’d love to talk to you,” Joe said. “Please come with Elaine and me.” He smiled and placed a hand on her back to gently encourage her to walk to a side room with them. The group breathed as if their lives had just been saved.

  Jason excused himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve enjoyed the time with all of you and I hope we can get together again. I’m getting out of here and going home. I told you how she got my name and place of business, but I hope she hasn’t learned where I live. In a way, she scares me.”

  Jason got his outer wear and left in a hurry while the others were telling each other goodnight. He glanced back to see Rose Schilling trying to walk carefully across the slick sidewalk to her car. “Hey, Rose. Let me help you.” Jason walked back to her and held out an arm for her to hold and escorted her to her car. “Get home safely,” he said as he helped her into the car.

  “Thank you so much, Jason. I’m sorry your evening was ruined by Margaret. We’ve all learned to dodge her and be too busy to go with her. When she first joined, a couple of the men dated her, but none of them want to go out again and they’ve warned everyone else. I feel sorry for her, but she’s her own worst enemy.”

  “Yes, I feel sorry for her, too, but I have too much to worry about without Margaret. Maybe I’ll see you again soon, Rose. Goodnight.” He shut her door and stepped back from the car as she slowly and carefully pulled away from the curb.

  Turning to go to his own car, he saw Gary helping Rebecca to her car. Smiling to himself, and whistling, he got in his car and headed home.

  * * * * *

  Christmas day was quiet. Jason thought of the times his mother baked special goodies and decorated the house while they sang together. Then his thoughts turned to his precious grandparents and how they had tried to make all the holidays pleasant for him.

  He didn’t go out except across the hall to the Dixons just long enough to give them a fifty dollar gift certificate to a wonderful restaurant and a coffee table book on day-long trips in the area. They gave him a DVD of some of his favorite songs. Tony had asked him previously what he liked, but he had forgotten it. Betty had knitted a beautiful cream and gold sweater for him.

  He was beginning to feel fond of the older couple and told himself he must give them more attention. He just hoped they wouldn’t try to replace their children with him in their hearts.

  It felt good to stay in bed the following morning and be lazy. His mind began to whirl with plans for the business. He finally thought of the dating agency and again argued with himself as to whether he should continue his membership or not. Later in the day he determined to continue and meet more members. He hoped some of the men would like to golf when the weather was nicer.

  Chapter Ten

  December twenty-seventh brought another snow. Jason was glad that he did not have to get out in it. Still in his pajamas he eased the door open to get his paper, hoping he wouldn’t get the attention of the Dixons. He liked them, but didn’t want company this early in the morning.

  Back in the small kitchen he poured
a second cup of coffee and sat down to open the paper on the table. Headlines on the bottom of the page jumped out at him.

  BODY OF WOMAN FOUND IN DUMPSTER

  Not everyone enjoyed Christmas. An unknown woman met with an unfriendly person either on Christmas day or yesterday on the twenty-sixth.

  The body of a yet unidentified female was found last night by the men picking up garbage from dumpsters around the Village. As the truck pulled up by the dumpster back of the Pharmacy, one of the men noticed what looked like fingers hanging on the edge of the receptacle. A closer look proved to be the hand of a nude body.

  The face was too contorted to make an identification. Police Chief, Aaron Mason, has requested help from the public in identifying the woman. She has mahogany hair and brown eyes; five-eight and about one ten. He would appreciate any information on her name, where she lives and any relatives. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

  Jason scanned the article and then read it in detail before the shock of recognition hit him. Could it be ---? He sat spell-bound for a few minutes and then hurriedly got up and ran to get his wallet. In the meantime he threw on a flannel shirt, a pair of jeans and some fuzzy slippers. He took a slip of paper from the wallet on which he had written phone number of Gary, Nigel and a couple of others.

  He looked at the clock before making the call and hesitated wondering if it might be too early. He couldn’t wait. He rang the number for Gary.

  “Lo,” a sleepy voice answered.

  “Gary, it’s Jason. I’m sorry to call so early, but I just read a disturbing article in the Blade. Do you take the paper?”

  “Wha --? Who is this?

  “Gary. It’s Jason McBride. I have something very important to discuss with you.”

  “Oh, hi, Jason. Wazup?”

  “Do you take the Blade newspaper?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Well, I can understand that you haven’t had a chance to read it this morning. Are you awake enough for me to read an article to you?”

  “Sure. Shoot.” He yawned loudly.

  Jason carefully read the article. There was such silence on the other end that Jason thought Gary might have fallen asleep and didn’t hear him.”

  “Gary, are you awake?”

  “Yeah.” He yawned big. “I heard you. So. What’s got your knickers in a knot over that article?”

  “Doesn’t it ring a bell with you? Mahogany hair, brown eyes, five-eight. Doesn’t that bring anyone to mind?”

  “No. Should it?” Another big yawn.

  Think, Gary. Mahogany hair, brown eyes, five-eight. Don’t you recognize the description?”

  “No. Clue me in.”

  “Margaret Archer!”

  “Huh. Why would you think of her?”

  “Gary, that description fits her to a T. I wanted to talk to you and see if you think we should go to the police and identify her.”

  “What do you mean we, white man? I have no reason to go to the police about anything and butt into their business. Besides, that could be anyone.”

  “Forget it then. I’ll call Nigel and see what he thinks. Sorry I bothered you. Go back to bed.”

  “Wait, Jason.---” He had already hung up, checked his list again and dialed Nigel.

  “Good morning, Jason.”

  “Oh, you have an ID screen, too. I wouldn’t do without one.”

  “It’s nice to hear from you. What’s on your mind this frosty morning?”

  “Have you read the article in The Blade about the female body found in the dumpster?”

  “No. I just started reading the paper. Where is it?”

  “The right hand bottom of the cover page. I’ll wait and give you time to read it.”

  “Okay. I’ve read it. Are you asking if I recognize the person? Wait! Mahogany hair, brown eyes, five-eight. Wow! Do you think that describes Margaret Archer?”

  “I thought it might. My question for you is, should we go to the police and see if we can identify her? Hold on a minute. Someone’s at my door.” Jason practically ran to the door with his cordless phone at his ear.

  “Gary! Good grief. You sure got here in a hurry. I’m on the phone with Nigel.” Jason spoke into the phone again. “Nigel. Gary just breezed in. I called him earlier, but he was too sleepy to be interested. Well, what do you think?”

  “I think you’d better make a pot of coffee and hold on. I’m coming over, too. The three of us can discuss it. Don’t do anything rash. Wait on me.” Nigel hung up quickly and Jason turned to Gary.

  “Wow. For someone not interested, you sure got here in a hurry, dressed and everything. Nigel’s on his way.”

  “I was afraid you’d do something you’d regret. We need to talk about this.”

  “Okay. I appreciate that. Let me get some sticky buns from the freezer and make a fresh pot of coffee. I’ll put the buns in the microwave to thaw and warm. Or would you rather have bacon and eggs?”

  “No. Thank you, though. I usually only have coffee and juice for breakfast and then have a mid-morning snack with a lunch about two in the afternoon. Coffee and buns sound great.” Gary shivered. “Winter is just starting and I’m sick of it already.”

  “I don’t care for cold weather either, but at least we have heat and warm clothes. Think of the people who don’t have that.”

  Gary picked up Jason’s paper and read the article again. By the time he finished, Nigel was at the door and came in shivering and complaining about the cold. “Brrr. It’s freezing my lungs.”

  “I doubt it’ll do that much damage to you. You’re not out in the cold long enough for that to happen,” Jason laughed. “Here. Sit at the table and I’ll bring the coffee and buns.”

  He placed a washable mat in front of the three of them and sat three tall mugs down. He then placed a platter of the buns on the table and a carafe of hot coffee. Cream and both kinds of sugar were on the table. The three men drank coffee, holding the mug in their hands for the warmth.

  “Now,” Nigel began. “why do you think any of us should volunteer to identify the body? Suppose it isn’t Margaret but someone with the same hair color, eyes, et cetera? The police have been known to jump to the wrong conclusions. By that I mean it’s entirely possible they might think one of us is guilty and we’re trying to cover up.”

  “Cover up? Nigel, you’ve been watching too much television. That makes a movie exciting when the wrong person is charged, but I don’t think it happens too often in real life.” Jason frowned.

  Gary tapped Jason on the hand. “Think, man. A lot of people heard Margaret making a nuisance of herself at the agency party. Someone might assume you’d had enough and got rid of her.”

  “That’s nonsense. No one would think I’d kill anyone, even Margaret, although I bet not many will grieve over her. By the way, does she have relatives that are in the area?”

  “No one knows,” Gary spread his hands out. “She wouldn’t tell about herself. I know she didn’t live in the Village of Fayette. She drove in from somewhere nearby, because she said once that she could be home in less than half an hour. I’d love to know what Elaine and Joe said to her when they took her off with them.”

  “I still think we, or maybe I, should go down and identify Margaret.”

  “Jason, why don’t you call Corella and ask if she’ seen the article. The agency people would be the ones to identify her -- if it is Margaret.”

  Jason took a long breath and looked at each man. “I guess you’re right. I didn’t care for Margaret, but I can’t stand to think of anyone being treated in that manner and no one seeming to care.”

  “I know what you mean. Are you going to call -- or do you want me to?”

  Jason looked at Nigel. “Would you mind calling? I will if neither of you want to, but you’ve both been members longer than I have.”

  “Sure.” Nigel picked up the cordless phone and took a small book from his pocket. “I brought some phone numbers with me in case I needed them.” He called Corella’s home
phone.

  “Corella. Good morning. This is Nigel Scovell. Gary Beaumont and I are at the apartment with Jason McBride. We saw an article in today’s Blade that we thought needed some attention.” He hesitated. “Oh, you’ve seen it. Does the description sound familiar to you?” He listened. “That’s what we thought. Then I guess you’re going to offer to identify her or do you know her relatives that might do so?” He listened to her and then wished her a good day and cut the phone off.

  “She’s already talked to Joseph Harper and he’s going down today to see if it’s really Margaret. They’ll handle everything and we don’t need to get involved at all.”

  Gary leaned back in his chair. “I know the police will want to talk to all of us that are members of the agency. I frankly don’t think it could be anyone associated with the agency. I’m sure she was obnoxious wherever she was. Some big mouth is bound to tell how Margaret acted the night of the Christmas party and how we all reacted to her.”

  Jason leaned forward. “But none of us have done anything wrong. We have nothing to hide. I, and I know you, had no dealings with her except in the agency. That one time on the street when she chased me down surely won’t be of interest.”

  “Just try to think where you’ve been the last three days and what times you’ve been wherever. Think if anyone can vouch that they were either with you or saw you.” Nigel instructed Jason and Gary.

  “I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Jason sighed. “Or maybe it’s because I’m afraid it might be someone we known from the agency. Poor Margaret. She was so eager to be accepted. She would be mortified to know she was discovered nude and frozen in a filthy dumpster.”

  “I’m not so sure about that,” Gary shook his head. Knowing Margaret she would probably think it was hysterical and love the attention.”

  Gary and Nigel chuckled at Jason, excused themselves, thanked him for the coffee and buns, and left. After they left, Jason read the article again and felt badly that he hadn’t been nicer to Margaret.