Trudy's Diary Read online

  “Jude, is everything okay?” she asked when Jude had walked by for the umpteenth time.

  “Is it that obvious?” asked Jude, stopping short in the doorway.

  Daisy didn’t answer.

  “It’s just that the police aren’t making any progress in finding out who killed Fiona,” she said, flopping uncharacteristically into the chair opposite Daisy.

  “It’s a murder investigation,” Daisy reminded her dryly. “They can’t hurry stuff like that. They don’t want to get it wrong.”

  “But I’m worried about Mark John. He can’t move on with such uncertainty hanging over his head.”

  “And by ‘moving on,’ what do you mean, exactly?” Daisy asked.

  “Well, obviously, I mean getting on with the rest of his life.”

  “And the police haven’t come up with any promising leads?” Daisy asked.

  “Not that they’ve shared with Mark John,” Jude replied. “Have you found out anything that could help Mark John? Anything at all?”

  “I wish I had good news, but I don’t. I talked to Brian about Melody, Walt’s wife, to see if he could shed any light on her state of mind, but he seemed rather protective of her. He seemed angry when I hinted that Melody might have been capable of murder. He’s the only person involved who knows Melody, so any information about her has to come from him.”

  “I wonder how he’s so sure she didn’t do it,” Jude mused.

  Daisy shrugged. “I don’t know. Listen, I’ve got a lot of work to do. If I find out anything else, I’ll let you know.”

  “Sorry to keep you for so long. It’s just that you can be more objective than the rest of us,” Jude said, smiling at Daisy. “I believe that you’ll be able to figure this whole thing out and get Mark John off the hook.”

  Daisy smiled as Jude left. But her smile turned to a frown as soon as Jude was out of sight. It was unlike the senior editor to praise Daisy like that. Was it possible she was just trying to throw Daisy off the scent of the real killer--or killers? Was it possible that Jude had killed both Fiona and Walt, and orchestrated the whole thing to make it look like Melody did it, all to pave her way to a relationship with Mark John?

  Or was she protecting Mark John?

  Or had Melody become unhinged when she found out about her husband’s affair?

  Any one of them could be the killer.

  Chapter 30

  February 1, 1866- Thursday

  Today was unusually warm and Thomas came to our house to ask me to go for a ride in his sled. The children were in the sled and they seemed happy to see me. We had a lovely ride. I try to talk to Lady and Jesse so I can get to know them better, but they are still very quiet around me. I think they must talk more when they are at home with their father. I’ve noticed they have continued to talk to each other in their special language. It is quite sweet, and very intriguing.

  * * *

  I want to ask Thomas about the children’s mother, but he had not said much about her. She must have been lovely, since Lady and Jesse are both fair-haired and delicate, unlike their father, who has dark brown hair and is strong and tall.

  * * *

  Margaret teases me that Thomas and I will be getting married before the end of the summer, but Mama tells her to be quiet. Margaret doesn’t seem to like Thomas, but I think she’s jealous. I like him very much.

  * * *

  T

  Chapter 31

  After reading just one entry in Trudy’s diary after work, Daisy fell asleep on the couch that night. She was startled awake after midnight when the phone rang, jarring her from a lovely dream about Prague.

  “Hello?” she answered with a yawn.

  “Daisy, this is Brian. I’m sorry to wake you.”

  “Brian?” Daisy shook her head to wake up, not remembering for a moment who Brian was. “Oh, Brian. Hi.”

  “Did you talk to Mark John today? I can’t seem to get in touch with him.”

  “He was still at work when I left. As far as I know he was there all day. I don’t know where he went after I came home, though.”

  Daisy suspected her words had upset Brian. There was an edge of anger in his voice when he replied. “He must be ignoring my calls. I need to talk to him about something.” Daisy didn’t ask what that something was, but it had to be important, she presumed, or Brian wouldn’t have called her at home and so late at night.

  “I’m sorry, Brian. I wish I could help.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  “That’s all right. I’ll swing by his house to talk to him.”

  Daisy didn’t reply except to say good-bye. She couldn’t imagine what could be so important that Brian would need to leave his own house to go in search of Mark John at such an hour. The man was obviously anxious about something. She was too tired to give it any more thought, though, and tumbled into bed.

  The next day Daisy didn’t go into the office. She had enough work on her laptop to stay occupied at home, and she loved to work remotely on occasion. And as a bonus, she was able to eat lunch at her own kitchen table in peace and quiet.

  It wasn’t until after lunch that she received the call from Jude. “Daisy,” she began breathlessly, “Brian was here and he was upset about something. He says he talked to you in the middle of the night about Mark John. What did he say?”

  Daisy was startled. “I just told him Mark John was in the office all day yesterday and I didn’t know where he went after I left work. That’s it. What’s the matter?”

  “Mark John doesn’t want to talk to him. He says Brian is losing his mind and he wants nothing to do with him.”

  “So have they spoken?”

  “No. As soon as the receptionist called Mark John to tell him Brian was in the Global Human Rights vestibule, Mark John left through the emergency exit in the back and I haven’t seen him since.”

  “What did Brian say?”

  “It’s not what he said, it’s what he did. He ran into the suite even though the receptionist told him to stay in the vestibule, and he went running through the office, slamming doors when he couldn’t find Mark John. Then he left. He was crying, Daisy. I’ve met Brian a hundred times and he doesn’t seem like the type of man who cries in public. I’m afraid of him. The receptionist wanted to call the police, but I know Mark John feels sorry for Brian, so I told her not to.”

  “It sounds like Brian’s behavior is escalating, though I guess we should let Mark John decide what to do about him.”

  Jude’s voice had a tentative note to it when she spoke. “You haven’t heard from Mark John in the last half hour, have you?”

  “No. I’m sure he’ll call you before he would think to call me.” Daisy felt both amusement and a twinge of pity for Jude, who still seemed insecure about Mark John.

  “If you hear from him, let me know, will you?” Jude asked. “Like you said, I’m sure he’ll call me first, but you know, just in case I don’t hear the phone or something and he can’t get in touch with me.”

  “I will,” Daisy assured her. “But don’t forget, Mark John is a big guy. He can take care of himself. He probably wants some time alone to figure out what to do about Brian.”

  Daisy hung up and just a few seconds later Helena called. “Pretty please, won’t you go out with that guy I told you about? Dave—remember? He’s a friend of Bennett and I told him all about you. He’s recently been through a breakup and Bennett’s trying to get him out and interested in women again. We can make it a double date on Friday.”

  Daisy sighed. “Helena, I really don’t want to go out with anyone, and especially not someone on the rebound.”

  “For me? Please? Bennett and I would really appreciate it. I’ll be forever in your debt.”

  Daisy laughed. “All right, I’ll do it. But only as a favor to you and Bennett, not because I’m interested in Dave at all. Please make that clear to him before we meet on Friday.”

  She could hear from Helena’s voice that she wore a wide smile. “Thank you! I’ll give you
a call tomorrow and let you know what the plan is.”

  Daisy shook her head as she hung up the phone. She hadn’t been on a date in a long time. Not since Dean. But she forced her mind away from thoughts of New York and turned her attention back to the diary. She found, however, that she couldn’t concentrate on Trudy’s words. She was already nervous about Friday and was regretting her decision to agree to go on a double date. But Helena will be there and she’ll talk to Dave first. It’ll be fine. Daisy eventually convinced herself that Dave was going to be completely harmless and was able to get back to work on her research and writing assignments.

  That night she sat at her kitchen table leafing through a magazine and eating a grilled cheese sandwich when the phone rang. It was Grover.

  “My party for Friday night just cancelled because of Walt’s murder.” Daisy could hear the pain in his voice.

  “Oh, Grover. I’m really sorry to hear that.”

  “Not much I can do about it,” he replied with a sigh.

  “Have the police said anything to you?”

  “They came over to tell me not to leave the DC-Virginia-Maryland area. Sounds like I’m getting closer to being named the prime suspect.” Another sigh. This was devastating.

  “Maybe not,” Daisy tried to reassure him. “Maybe they have more questions and just want you to stay close by.”

  “We’re both smarter than that, Daisy.”

  “I’m trying to figure it out, Grover. I just don’t know where to look for answers.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Grover said. “Are you busy Friday? I thought we could go to a lecture at George Washington University. There’s a guy talking about his experiences in Tibet. I can’t just sit around doing nothing. I need to do something. That’s assuming I won’t be in the lockup.”

  Daisy groaned inwardly. She had always wanted to visit Tibet.

  “I can’t. I’m sorry. I wish I could go.”

  “What do you have going on?”

  “Ugh. I agreed to go on a double date with Helena. Against my better judgment, I might add.”

  “So you’re going out with that guy she was talking about at dinner the other night?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Oh. I thought you said you weren’t interested in anyone.”

  “I’m not. I’m doing this strictly as a favor to her.”

  “Well, there’ll be other lectures. Or not. Whatever.”

  “Oh, I’m sure there will be other lectures,” she hastened to assure her friend. “We can go to a different one sometime. Are you busy Saturday afternoon? We could do something then.”

  “I have a graduation party. Again, as long as I’m not in jail.”

  “You won’t be in jail, Grover. Keep your attitude positive. What are you doing for dinner tomorrow? Want to meet somewhere?”

  Grover hesitated before answering. “Actually, I have to get some paperwork done in the shop and tomorrow night is the only time I have to do it.”

  “All right, then. I’ll see you next week.”

  “See you later,” Grover said, then hung up.

  Daisy was a little worried about Grover. It seemed clear his nerves were stretched taut.

  She took the diary with her when she went to bed that evening. She pulled on her white gloves, which were by now getting brownish-gray from the dust on the diary, and settled back against her pillow to read. It was a good thing it was so interesting, because she was worried about Grover.

  Chapter 32

  March 1, 1866- Thursday

  I can’t believe I’m writing this, but Thomas has asked me to marry him! I am going to be Mrs. Thomas Sheridan.

  Mrs. Thomas Sheridan

  Gertrude Sheridan

  Trudy Sheridan

  * * *

  In all my nineteen years, I have never been so excited.

  Thomas came to visit today and asked if I would like to take a ride in the wagon. I told him I would, but he asked if I would mind waiting for a little while so he could speak with Papa, who was in the barn. I told Thomas I would be waiting for him when he finished talking to Papa.

  While he was gone Margaret said, “You know what he’s doing, don’t you? He’s asking Papa for your hand.”

  I scolded Margaret for saying such a silly thing, but it turned out that Margaret knew exactly what she was talking about. Before long Thomas came back to the house to fetch me. Papa accompanied him, and he was talking to Mama in the corner of the kitchen as I left with Thomas. They were looking at me in a funny way. It made me nervous because I thought I had done something wrong.

  Thomas and I drove for a while. We went through town, then he told me he had a surprise to show me. He took me down the road that led out of town to the west and after quite a long time I could see a homestead in the distance. I could tell it was new because of the color of the wood, and I knew somehow that it was the house he had built. He drove right up to the front of the house, which is lovely. It has glass windows (I don’t know how he was able to afford them, but they are beautiful) and a wooden front door with a brass doorknob. There were curtains in the windows.

  He reached for my hand to help me out of the wagon and he didn’t let go of my hand as we walked up the front steps. I have almost never seen a house with front steps out here in Nebraska. People simply do not use them. But since Thomas is from back east, he is used to such things.

  I marveled at the inside of the house. Each room is painted a different color! We don’t even have paint on our walls at home. Mama says paint is expensive and extravagant, but it certainly is beautiful. And if Thomas has the money to buy paint, then why shouldn’t he paint the inside of his new house? I smile as I write this because soon it will be our house.

  The children each have a room of their own. That is very rare. Most homes are too small for children to have their own bedrooms. The children’s rooms are quite small, but they each get some space to call their own! Lady’s room is yellow and Jesse’s is green. The bedroom where Thomas sleeps is white.

  Once Thomas had given me a tour of all the rooms in the house, he stood me in front of the fireplace and told me to close my eyes. I was confused about his request, but I did as he asked. When he told me to open them, he was standing in front of me holding a beautiful ring! I must have looked very surprised, because Thomas started laughing and asked me to wear the ring because he wanted me to marry him. I said yes immediately!

  We went back home and told Papa and Mama and Margaret and the boys the good news. Papa and Mama already knew, of course. Papa smiled, but while Mama and Margaret looked happy, I could tell they were a bit worried, too. I suppose they are concerned that I will not be around the house any longer to help them with chores and cooking once Thomas and I are wed. The boys simply wanted to know all about Thomas’ new house.

  There are many things to do before the wedding, which will be in the spring. Mama and Margaret and I will begin sewing the things I’ll need to set up the new house: linens, a wedding quilt, and my personal things.

  Thomas said he would tell Lady and Jesse about our marriage. I wish I could be there when he tells them, but I think they will be happy and excited. It has been a long time since they have had a woman in their home.

  * * *

  T

  Chapter 33

  Daisy let out a happy squeal as she closed the diary for the night and crawled beneath her covers. She could only imagine the excitement and happiness Trudy must have felt on her engagement to Thomas. She was eager to read about the family’s preparations for the wedding, but she savored the time she spent reading the diary and wanted to space out the entries, just as Trudy had so many years ago.

  The next morning when Daisy went into work she was surprised to see that Mark John was leaving already.

  “Where are you off to so early?” she asked.

  He looked at her absent-mindedly, as if he didn’t understand what she had said, then gave his head a little shake and answered.

  “I have to run a
n errand.”

  Daisy got the feeling it was something private, so she wished him a good day and went back to her office. Only a moment later Jude knocked on the door, opening it at the same time. .

  “Hi, Jude. How are you this morning?”

  “I’ve been better,” Jude said, sitting down and crossing her long legs.

  Daisy waited, watching Jude, knowing she would explain herself any moment.

  “I found out why Brian was here looking for Mark John yesterday,” Jude began, sitting up a bit straighter.

  “Is everything all right?

  “He lost his job.”

  Daisy gasped. “His teaching job?”

  “That’s the only job he had, as far as I know.”

  Snarky, thought Daisy.

  “Why? What happened?” Daisy asked.

  “We don’t know. Mark John’s gone to talk him off a ledge.”

  “Not really,” Daisy said, covering her mouth with her hands. The very thought of it was horrifying.

  “Of course not, Daisy.” Jude looked at Daisy as if she had two heads.

  “Then don’t say stuff like that, Jude. It’s heartless.”

  Jude had the decency to murmur an apology.

  “I’m sure Mark John will call you as soon as he finds out what happened,” Daisy said. “Let me know what he says.” It wasn’t subtle, but it worked. Jude stood up and walked out.

  Brian fired? And on the heels of the death of his sister and his good friend? What was this going to do to him?

  Mark John returned to Global Human Rights a couple hours later and Jude immediately disappeared behind his office door. They were in there for longer than Daisy expected.