Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (21 page)

“You must know I would never lie to you, Anna.” He stood stiffly but looked away, not wanting to meet her questioning eyes—the ones he’d let himself believe in. He’d thought he and Anna were indeed a perfect match. But something had just happened here—broken trust.

“I said I’m sorry.” She pulled back, staring at him. “Edward . . . do you . . . want me to leave?”

Edward tightened his jaw, then turned to look at her squarely. “That’s up to you, Anna.”

The front door rattled, and they turned to see Sarah and Harvey march in with Moose, who ran straight up to Anna. She gave him an affectionate hug.

“Edward, what in high heaven has happened?” Harvey asked. “When Sarah told me about this, I couldn’t believe it!”

“It’s true—Archer and Waldo think I robbed the bank last night.”

“Hmm, I see. I want to talk to you and Waldo,” Harvey proposed.

Sheriff Archer strolled in. “Guess you didn’t hear me come in.” He eyed Sarah, then looked back to Harvey. “I see we’re having a group meeting.”

Harvey inclined his head slightly. “Should that matter?”

Archer sniffed. “Not as long as you’re not conspiring on how to get him out of here.”

“Not conspiring, but I know his rights. You haven’t charged him with a crime, so you can’t hold him against his will.”

“I’m well aware of the law and don’t need you to tell me.”

Edward knew Harvey didn’t take kindly to that remark by the stern look that crossed his face. “Your shiny badge doesn’t mean a thing to me.” Harvey’s voice remained calm and collected.

The sheriff anchored his thumbs in his hip pockets and rocked back on his heels. “And just who are you?”

“Harvey Thompson, Edward’s attorney. I’m asking you to release Edward unless you have some evidence other than hearsay to keep him here.”

Archer scratched his head. “I suppose you’re right. I can let you talk to him, but I haven’t decided if he’s going to be charged or not. I still have some investigating to do.” He strode to his desk for the keys, then came back and unlocked the door.

Anna moved toward Edward, but he turned away to follow Harvey.

“You can have a seat by my desk and ask him anything you want. I’ll take notes.” Archer glanced back at the women.
“You two ladies can have a seat over there.” He pointed to some chairs a few feet away. Anna and Sarah complied.

Archer sat behind his desk, propping his feet up and leaning back, a tablet and pencil in his hand. “Have at it, Mr. Thompson.”

Moose settled in next to Harvey’s feet. “Edward, let’s start with when you were at the bank. Sarah told me on the way over here that you left right behind the teller. Is that correct?”

“Yes. Waldo was the last to leave.”

Harvey paused. “So where did you go from there?”

“I hurried to catch the streetcar to my friend’s floral shop, Park Floral, to get flowers for the dinner party we were giving. Which made me later getting home than I expected.”

“So you won’t mind if I check this out with them?” Archer inserted.

“No, I don’t mind. The owner actually put the flowers together for me since they were just closing up shop.”

“What’s his name?” Harvey was taking notes.

“John Valentine.”

“Then after you picked up the flowers, where did you go?”

Edward sighed. “I caught the streetcar at the corner for home. After I got off, I sprinted the rest of the way to my house.”

“Or had time to sprint back to the bank and unlock the safe and take the money!” Archer said.

Edward nearly came out of his chair with a clenched fist. “I did not!”

“Calm down, Edward.” Harvey patiently took his time. “We won’t get very far if you can’t stay calm. Back to the bank. What do you do there?”

Edward leaned back farther in his chair. He was already tired of repeating these facts, but maybe Archer had missed something, so it was good that he was also taking notes.
“Waldo hired me to set the vault’s new timer on the combination, which allows the vault to open only after a certain time has lapsed, and only by people who are privy to the safe’s combination.”

Harvey’s brows knitted together. “And you are one of them?”

“Yes, I have to be in order to secure the lock.”

He saw Anna lean forward to hear every word that was said. His mouth was dry now. “Could I have a drink of water, please?” he asked Archer.

Archer let his legs plop to the floor. “I reckon.” He strode over to a cabinet that held a pitcher and bowl on top. He poured himself a glass first and slugged the water down, then took another glass and filled it for Edward. Manners weren’t his forte, Edward thought. Gratefully, he took the water and drank it right down, then set the glass on the desk.

“What did you and Waldo talk about before you checked the lock?” Harvey continued.

“Let’s see . . . Oh yes. I mentioned that Anna needed a place to have a shelter for her rescued animals.” Archer frowned, so he explained the situation.

Archer tapped his pencil against his leg. “So that money would more than supply the lease for a building, wouldn’t it? Let me remind you there was no sign of forced entry.”

“Look, if I had the money, would we be sitting here like three old maids chatting?”

Archer sneered. “No need to get wise with me, son. I’m only trying to get the facts.”

“I’ve told you the facts! I’ve had enough, and I’m going home. You have no evidence to charge me with.” He stood up and Anna popped up from her chair. Sarah stayed seated, watching.

“Please, Edward. I have a few more questions for you.”
Harvey got up to give him a gentle push on his shoulder. Edward and Anna sat back down and Harvey continued. “After you two talked about leasing a building, what did you do after that?”

Edward retraced his steps in his head. He remembered that the money had already been counted for the day and Leonard was there in the room, putting away the stacks of money and bonds.

“I recall Leonard, the assistant manager, was in the room, and the safe door was open. He’d just finished stacking the money. He told me he’d leave me to set the timer, and then he was gone. I heard him tell Waldo goodbye.”

“So you set the timer?” Harvey asked, pushing him to remember the details.

Edward’s hands tightened. “Yes, I was checking the combination—oh! I just remembered that the bank teller was still there too. He walked into the room where I was, so I closed the door to the safe.”

“What did he want?”

“I thought it was odd, but he told me he’d overheard me talking about renting a building and he had a friend who needed someone to take over his lease. I told him I was interested, then he said he’d let me know the details when he could.”

“That was all of the conversation?” Harvey leaned closer.

“Yes. Then we both walked toward the front of the building and told Waldo good night. The teller went one way and I went the other. I hurried away to get to the florist, like I told you.” Edward’s head was pounding now and he was done. He had nothing more to add.

“What’s the teller’s name?”

“I think he said Calvin . . . yes, that’s right. Maybe you should be talking to him, Sheriff.” He stood, ready to leave.

“I certainly will.” Archer nodded. “You can count on that.”

“Unless you have something else to ask, I’m leaving now. You know where to find me,” Edward said through tight lips.

“Wait just a minute,” Harvey said, pressing a finger thoughtfully to his lips. “You said you closed the safe door when Calvin entered the room, but did you actually
set
the timer?”

The only sound in the room was the ticking of the schoolhouse clock behind Archer’s desk as they waited for Edward’s response.

Edward froze, feeling the blood drain from his face. For goodness’ sake! In his haste, he
hadn’t
set the timer, only closed the door. He swallowed hard before facing Harvey.

“I don’t recall actually setting the timer at all.” Edward ran his hands through his hair and shifted on his feet. “I don’t even think I turned the combination around so the door would lock, much less set the timer! I can’t believe it, but I think I got distracted when Calvin started talking about the building. I was in a hurry with other things on my mind. This is not like me at all. I always do things by the book.” He glanced over at Anna, whose face was pale.

Edward sat back down in the chair and stared at the floor, spreading his hands wide in frustration. “I’m responsible for the bank robbery, but I did
not
take that money!” He would never be trusted now. He’d left the safe open—an easy target for any thief who was determined to get inside the bank.
How could I have been so careless?
What would this mean to the hardworking citizens who trusted their money to the bank? He had to find that money.

Archer grunted. “Well, now. That puts a different light on things. But from the look on your face along with your own
admittance that you forgot to set the timer, I think you’re telling the truth. I’ll let you go tonight, but make yourself available for further questioning if needed.”

Harvey gave Edward a sympathetic look, but it didn’t make him feel one bit better. “You’ll have to explain to the bank about what you
didn’t
do, Edward.” Turning to Archer, he said, “Sheriff, I think you’d better talk to Waldo about this Calvin fellow. Seems Calvin made doggone sure he distracted Edward long enough to keep him from setting the lock. You’d better make sure he hasn’t skipped town by now.”

“I’ll head over there now,” he said, lifting his hat off his desk.

“There’s no need. The bank closes at one on Saturday,” Edward reminded him.

“Right you are. Then I’ll go have a word with Waldo at home about his bank teller. If we can’t locate this Calvin, he may be our man. I need to be hot on his trail.”

Before leaving, Edward shook Harvey’s hand, thanking him for the questions that had made him think through the events. “I owe you.”

Harvey chuckled. “No you don’t. Besides, your wife gave me the gift of ol’ Moose here,” he said, scratching the dog behind the ear. “We’ll talk again.”

With the afternoon almost gone, Edward turned the wagon toward home. Sarah sat in the back, but Anna was so grateful she’d been with her today. She glanced at her husband’s profile, noting the solemnness of his face. He looked straight ahead, and though she tried to make casual talk, he barely said a word. It was clear that her doubts about him being the robber had created a wedge between them. The look Edward
had given her earlier chilled her. Would this affect their marriage to the point that he would ask her to leave? She tried to steady her hands in her lap. She wouldn’t let that happen. He had to forgive her. Oh, why had she ever doubted him?

“Edward, we can still have our picnic tomorrow after church as long as the weather stays nice. I’m sure your name will be cleared when the sheriff completes his investigation.”

Edward grunted, guiding Cloud around muddy holes in the road. “Let’s hope so.”

She placed a comforting hand on his forearm. “It’s going to be all right. Harvey impressed me today, and I’m glad he was there to jog your memory.”

“You mean make me remember how careless I’ve become, don’t you?”

Anna wasn’t sure what to say, knowing that he felt completely responsible for the robbery. “You have to forgive yourself, Edward. No one can be perfect. If everyone was perfect, there would be no need for the Savior, would there?
He’s
the only one who’s ever been perfect. Even the best people mess up sometimes.”

“Well, I don’t!” he said, his voice rising. “Ever since you became my wife, I haven’t been able to concentrate the way I used to, and you’ve changed everything about the way I used to live. And those dogs you dragged into the fray . . .”

Anna felt like shrinking into the wagon seat. Pain pierced her heart. What must Sarah think? “I’m sorry you feel that way, Edward. I hoped that I was making your life happier,” she choked out.

He slowed Cloud as they neared Patty and Polly’s driveway and looked over at her. “You do . . . you did, but now . . .” He pulled against the reins, stopping Cloud in front of the house.

“Can we talk about this later, please?” Anna didn’t want
to make Sarah feel any more uncomfortable than she surely already was.

Sarah hopped out. “Anna, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” With a brief wave, she scampered up the front porch steps, where Patty and Polly sat waiting in their rocking chairs, no doubt anxious to hear the news.

Anna and Edward waved, then drove around to their barn. While Edward unhitched Cloud and put him in his stall, Anna fed the dogs their supper. She had no idea what she and Edward would be eating—the sandwiches sitting on the kitchen table were many hours old and most likely dried out by now. But the truth was Anna was no longer hungry.

Edward was still in a bad mood when they left for church the next morning, so Anna dared not mention the picnic. Instead they would have lunch with his sister. Some members stared coolly at them, and others barely nodded hello. They had a right to be angry.

Anna prayed fervently that Edward would forgive himself. Casting a sideways peek at him, she saw his lips moving. More than anything else, she wanted the Lord to bless their marriage and asked for guidance. Even after a rough start, they’d finally come to understand each other better. Wasn’t that what marriage was all about? Love? Acceptance? A helpmeet?

“I want to go have a word with Waldo,” Edward declared to her as the service ended. “He’s just walking out to leave.” He held her elbow, hurriedly guiding her past the crowded aisle to reach the Krunks.

“Waldo! Wait!” Edward called out, pulling Anna down the wide concrete steps and into the courtyard.

Waldo and his wife paused, then turned around. Anna
knew this would be hard for Edward, so she promised to hold her tongue.

“Hello, Edward,” Waldo said.

“I guess by now the sheriff told you that I forgot to set the combination and timer. I don’t suppose you’d ever forgive me, but you know that I didn’t steal the money from the safe.”

Waldo let out a deep sigh. “Archer did tell me. I could hardly believe it. I trusted you to handle that with the utmost professionalism.”

Edward stared down at his feet. “I’m truly sorry.”

“It seems that my teller Calvin went back in with his key, and since the safe wasn’t locked, he took everything and is nowhere to be found. Probably left on the last train out of Union Station.”

Anna squeezed Edward’s hand.

“I don’t know how to make it up to you,” he said.

Waldo shook his head. “Fact is, you can’t. I just hope the posse can catch him and I get my money returned. I’m sorry this happened too—but you no longer have a job with my bank.”

“If you’ll just give me another chance, Waldo, I promise you the checks and balances for the safety of your vault will be given my utmost attention and detail.”

Anna felt sorry for Edward. It pained her to hear him grovel like this.

Leola gave her husband a pleading look. Waldo shifted his stance and looked down at his boots. “I don’t know, Edward. This is the worst thing that I’ve had to deal with in my banking years. I had to face all the people and tell them their money’s gone.” Waldo shook his head.

“I don’t know what else to do, other than go after the man myself.”

“Now, Edward, don’t go breaking down like a cheap watch! You’re a better man than that.” He pursed his lips, his jaw twitching. “Oh, all right! Against my better judgment, I’m going to let you try one more time—only because we’re friends. But I’ll be with you when you set that timer. Understood?”

“Yes, yes! Of course.” Edward stuck out his hand, and after a second Waldo shook it.

“With that responsibility, I expect you to check the timer several times a week and make sure the combination is up to snuff. Agreed?”

“Agreed. I promise you, I won’t disappoint you again.” He pumped Waldo’s hand.

Waldo smiled. “You can let go of my hand now, Edward.”

Edward dropped his hand. “Pardon me, but thank you for being willing to give me another try.”

Waldo clapped him on the back. “I’ll see you Tuesday at five o’clock then?”

“I’ll be there—and no distractions.”

Anna smiled her appreciation at Waldo, who smiled back, tipping his hat. Then he and Leola strolled down the sidewalk to their buggy.

“Feel better now?” Anna turned to her husband.

“Yes, I do. Let’s get on over to Ella’s. Wonder what’s for lunch?” His unsmiling face belied his cheerful speech.

“I’m sure it’s something delicious. It always is.” She took his arm while walking to their carriage. Although he’d apologized for what he’d said on the ride home last night, she still had a wounded heart. And though she’d apologized for doubting his innocence, he had remained distant.
Lord, give us strength
, she prayed as they rode in silence to Ella’s.

Lunch was good as usual. Edward took two helpings of
fried chicken. Too bad he didn’t eat heartily like that when
she
cooked, Anna thought. Very little was mentioned about the bank robbery. Anna had felt the cloud of suspicion from a few of the church members who’d given them a wide berth at the service, so she was sure Edward must have been aware of it too.

It was always enjoyable to have a leisurely Sunday dinner with Ella and Ernie, and when Ernie suggested that Edward needed to see his new hunting gun, Ella and Anna were left to talk while washing the dishes.

“Ella, you know Edward better than I, being his sister. His ego is terribly bruised, and I don’t know what to say to help him.” She dried the dish Ella gave her and stacked it with the others.

Ella brushed a fallen curl from her brow. “Give him some time, Anna. He’s worried about his reputation, but as soon as they catch Calvin, people will forget. Thank God Waldo is going to give him another chance.” She looked at Anna. “But it’s more than that, isn’t it?”

Anna’s bottom lip trembled. “Yes.”

“Come, let’s sit at the table and talk while the men are occupied.”

Anna plopped into a chair and sighed deeply. “I think he believes that he forgot to lock the safe because of me.”

Ella laughed heartily, but seeing Anna’s frown, she quickly stifled her laughter. “I’m sorry, but that struck me as funny.”

“Let me explain and maybe you’ll understand.” Anna briefly told her how Edward had said he’d been more distracted with his work and other things since he’d married her. “He feels I’m to blame that he forgot to lock the safe. He told me that since he married me he’s been too distracted . . . He said some very unkind things to me.” She stared down at
her hands in her lap. “I suppose it’s the truth. I am a distraction to him, but I thought we were both having fun in our relationship and making progress.”

Ella’s curls bounced when she shook her head. “Edward has always thought he had to be perfect to earn our father’s respect. Father was hard on both of us growing up, but harder still on Edward, which in Edward’s mind meant that everything had to be perfect or it wasn’t worthy. He wasn’t able to relax and had very little fun in his life.”

Anna was reminded of the incident with the puppy and Edward’s father, and it made her heart ache. “So why does he blame me?”

“I suspect it has a lot to do with his own expectations of himself. Perhaps the bank robbery will turn out to be a good thing.”

“How do you mean?” Anna raised her eyes to look at Ella, whose thoughtful expression conveyed genuine concern for her older brother.

“He has to realize that just because things aren’t perfect in his life, that doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of consideration or value. That is one of the reasons he is so particular about his timepieces. He thinks they must be simply perfect—and for keeping time they are. But
real
life cannot imitate inanimate objects.”