“Stubborn cold… seems to have settled more in my throat than anywhere else, and it’s killed my appetite. What’s up?”
“Are you up to doing a little research?”
“Sure. What are you looking for?”
He told her about Max’s visit. “Do you think you can possibly find anything about Ken Phillips? According to Max, he died in South America a few years ago,” Harry said.
“What do you need? Death and burial details? Or something more?”
“Maybe family members… and anything you can find about a will or an estate sale.”
“Nice, that will keep me occupied this afternoon. I’ll let you know what I find in the morning.”
“Great. I’m going to Janet’s Bakery before the weather gets too bad. Can I get you anything while I’m out?”
“Thanks, I’m good. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.” Harry disconnected the call and glanced at his watch. It was close enough to noon. He pulled on his jacket and headed for the door. As he waited for the truck to warm up, he cleared the snow from the windows and roof of the cab. Some fresh tea buns would go great with the soup in the fridge… and bread… and molasses buns. He could manage cooking but wasn’t brave enough to try baking.
********************
Bertie called the next morning, shortly after Harry had put the snowblower away and turned on the coffee pot in the office. “Morning,” he said, as he picked up the phone. “Feeling any better?”
“Yes,” she replied. “This week is nearly over but I’ll be back on Monday. Yesterday afternoon did me a world of good.”
Harry laughed. “Sounds like you found something.”
“Yes. His name was actually Bennett Phillips, probably called Ben. Died in Brazil and the body was shipped home for burial. Survived by sister Sadie Martin and nephew Philip. News story said he was an experienced Design Engineer, specializing in bridges, and had worked all over the world. His sister and nephew inherited everything. Before going to Brazil, Phillips handed over the deed of a country cabin to his nephew. He was away too much and decided someone should enjoy it. I sent everything to your email.”
“Great!” Harry said. “I owe you one.”
“I won’t let you forget.”
“I know you won’t.” Harry chuckled as he laid down the phone. Bertie was light years ahead of him with research. Picking up the phone again, he dialed the diner and ordered their chicken soup meal to be delivered at lunchtime.
He opened his email and downloaded the attachments. ‘Might as well,’ he thought as he glanced out the window… rain and snow mixed… he wasn’t going anywhere unless it was necessary. Ninety minutes later, he stood up and stretched. She’d sent information on Phillips and his nephew, Philip Martin, who owned a construction business. He wondered briefly if Martin himself might be using the cabin.
********************
Two days later, Harry went to check on the cabin but there was too much snow to get close to it and there was no sign of any disturbance – except some rabbit tracks. Then he went to check on Max.
“I haven’t been out since the day I saw you,” Max said. “I don’t like winter driving and I’m not too fond of winter walking either.”
