“Ugh, where is Harry? He’d know what to do.” Ann crumpled into Frank’s arms, who patted her awkwardly on the back.
What did I do this time?
The front door dinged, and Marissa walked in, holding a drink carrier and a paper plate with maple bars.
“Oh, thank heavens. Marissa, you’re just who we needed.” Ann smiled.
Ouch.
I deflated. So far, everyone wanted Marissa’s help over mine. No one wanted a lawyer, anyway.
“Hey Frank, morning Ann. How’re the pumpkins coming this year?” Marissa crossed to her desk and set down the food.
Ann pulled her into a hug. “That’s what I was trying to talk tohim about.” She glared at me, and I raised my hands in confusion. “Tony's up to it again. He stole our new fertilizer, and he even smashed several of our biggest pumpkins.”
Marissa’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no!”
What was the big deal with these pumpkins?I waited, betting Marissa would send them to the police too.
“Please tell me you have the biggest pumpkins still hiding.” Marissa nodded to Frank.
Frank smiled. “Oh, you know I do. The whole town keeps guessing where my pumpkin stash is. No one has found it yet.”
“That’s a relief.” Marissa tapped her finger on her leg. “He’s getting bolder this year.”
“Yes, and the man should be punished. He keeps coming and doing more and more. If someone doesn’t stop him, he’ll keep coming.” Ann put her hands on her hips, the fire back in her eyes.
“You should go to the police.” I said, unable to keep the opinion to myself any longer.
Marissa shook her head no. “Um, I doubt that will do it with Max—nothing will come of it. Plus, no proof I'm guessing, other than history.” She tipped her head back and forth in thought.
Ann and Frank both nodded in agreement.
“You know what? I would go to the president of produce. Who is it this year?” Marissa asked.
“Tara Hansen,” Frank nodded.
President of what? In what world was a produce person better than the police?
“If you can prove Tony has tampered with your pumpkins, that should get him disqualified,” Ann said.
Frank bristled. “No way. I want to beat that man in front of the whole town. Fair and square. I don’t need him acting like he could’ve won for an entire year.”
Marissa waved him off. “Right, tell Tara you suspect something and that you are setting up cameras. The fear of being caught and disqualified should hold Tony back, at least a bit. Youonly have a month and a half left.” Marissa snapped her fingers. “Oh, and you could tell Ashley about where your pumpkins are.”
“What!” Frank growled. “Might as well yell from the pulpit, that woman can’t?—”
“No, hear me out.” Marissa held her hands in front of her. “Tell her a decoy spot, but not to tell anyone. The location will spread like wildfire and will send Tony looking in the wrong direction. Between that and the threat of being disqualified, you should be good till weigh-in.”
“Genius.” Ann relaxed. “Oh bless you Marissa, I’m glad you are at least still here.”
Ouch. Again.
Marissa gestured to me. “Oh, Scott is not bad, just new. It took me a while to fit in here too.”
With that, the woman gave her another quick hug. “I still want to see Tony get some comeuppance.”
“Oh, he will, when I beat him.” Frank grinned. “Again.”
