Janice Carter - The Beekeeper's Daughter

She was talking about Will? “What happened?”

Marge stepped out onto the small porch. “Fern Lewis said the fella—what was his name again?”

“Will Jennings.”

“Seems he told Captain Andrews that he’d been visiting the apiary, so when I heard that, I put two and two together and figured it must’ve been him they were talking about. Anyhow,” Marge went on, “this Will Jennings was driving by the Lewis place when he noticed smoke coming from the barn.”

“Was anyone hurt?”

“No, thank heavens. The fella told Warren he was a real firefighter and Captain Andrews said he did all the right things.”

What must it have been like for him to have to deal with another fire? She glanced up, realizing that Marge was waiting for her to respond. “Does the captain think it’s the same person who’s been setting the other fires in the valley?”

“Word’s out until the fire marshal investigates.”

The idea of someone creeping about the valley setting fires unnerved Annie. This blaze was too close to home. It wasn’t the best time to leave the apiary untended.

“By the way,” Marge said, “have you had news of your father yet?”

“I talked to Shirley about half an hour ago. He’s fine. Everything went well.”

“That’s great. Any idea when he’ll be coming home?”

“Tomorrow, if he had his way.”

Marge laughed. “That’d be your dad all right. But they don’t keep them in the hospital long anymore, do they?”

“No. Shirley’s hoping she can persuade him to take some vacation time in Charlotte.”

Marge’s laugh deepened. “Good luck to her!”

Annie’s smile felt forced. She pictured herself and her father driving back together, while Shirley stayed in Charlotte. If he got wind of this latest fire, so close to the apiary, he wouldn’t even consider recuperating longer.

Marge must have made a similar connection. Suddenly sober she asked, “You going to be okay staying at the apiary on your own?”

Annie gave a dismissive wave. “Of course. Besides, the thing with all of these fires is that no people or animals have been hurt.” She paused, adding, “It’s almost as if the places have been chosen for that very reason.”

“Still, accidents can happen.”

“Hmm,” Annie murmured, thinking of Will. “Look, I have to go into town. Want me to pick up anything for you?”

“Thanks, dear, but I have to go in later myself. You take care and give our love to your daddy when you’re talking to him.”

Annie promised and climbed into the truck. As she turned over the engine, she realized she hadn’t mentioned she might be seeing her father in a day or two. If she had to leave the apiary, it would be good to have the Vanderhoffs keep an eye on it. On the other hand, it might also be better if no one knew she was away and the apiary untended.

On her way into town, it occurred to her that if Will had spotted the fire, he must’ve been heading away from the campsite. Presumably he’d decided not to stay there after all.

No doubt Will Jennings was driving out of the valley at that very moment and that was a good thing. Wasn’t it?

THE CAMPER VAN stuck out like a parent at a high school prom. It sat in a far corner of the parking lot behind the Red and White Grocery Store, surrounded by an assortment of cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. Annie spotted it as soon as she turned into the lot and almost sideswiped an exiting car. Her heart rate surged, which she blamed on the near accident rather than the sight of Will Jennings’ van.

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