Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
I was born a Campbell. Even though I was a Midwesterner, Id always felt a deep connection with my ancestors who settled in Pennsylvania before the Revolution. Now after a lifetime of wandering, I wanted to return to ancestral ground. I had plans for this special place.
Some property advertised on the Internet looked promising so I went to check it out. First stop was in Pittsburgh to see my professional collaborator, Dave Finch. His assistant was giving me a tour around when he came striding through the door. His giant paw of a hand grasped mine as he greeted me. How are you, Dr. Harvey?
Great, thanks. Id like to stay and visit for a few days, but Im on another mission. Listen, are you still driving your Honda?
Daves look was thoughtful. Going in disguise?
I nodded yes. Id like to swap for a few days. How about my rental Lexus for your Honda, straight across? It should pique peoples curiosity.
Dave grinned. You rascal, what are you up to now? No, dont tell me yet. Youre itching to get on with it and I have a lab to teach next hour. Ill do it, but only if youll promise to tell us all about it when you get back.
We shook on it and went out to swap cars. Will the permit keep me legal until tonight? The first draft of our paper is due soon and I need to spend a while in the library. My appointment in Campbells Point is nine oclock tomorrow. Whats the best way over east?
Dave thought a minute. Until about three, Rt. 22 shouldnt be bad. Most people are going the other way.
I finished my work and headed out of town to find a place to stay. Rumbles of thunder wakened me in the middle of the night. I opened the big patio door on my balcony to enjoy the storm.
What a nice way to welcome me, I whispered. I hope its a real toad-strangler.
The storm engulfed me as wave after wave of huge raindrops sliced through the air. Sizzling bolts of lightning coursed across the sky, and thunderclaps rattled the doors. In minutes it was over and I slipped back inside to snuggle in bed for a few more hours.
I took off for Campbells Point about six, leaving time to check out the town, find R & J Realty and track down the best place for breakfast. The usual clue for me is the number of cars and trucks parked out front.
Campbells Point straddles a county road, with a bank, R & J Realty, a 24-hour grocery, and Garys Grill.
People were gathering from every direction and Id found my breakfast. My mouth watered for an old-fashioned, flat cinnamon palmier like the ones I remembered from my childhood, bacon from pigs fattened on corn instead of sawdust and garbage, and eggs from chickens living their lives in freedom. Thats the kind I was going to have too, with a rooster to keep them in line and give wake-up calls better than any alarm clock.
I swung around to pull into the last parking spot. A big sigh escaped. This was it. Would it work? Had they found a contractor? Was the place right? I would know soon.
The grill was bright and cheerful. Red, pink and white geraniums in dark green boxes decorated the low windowsills and delicate European lace curtains hung from the windows. The comfortable smell of coffee and bacon, and the low hum of compatible voices greeted me as I stepped into the room.
A middle-aged couple motioned to me, as the man got up from his place and spoke. Dr. Harvey? Please join us. Its pretty crowded and wed enjoy your company.
I wasnt surprised. The town was small enough that people might have heard about the person who was coming from Washington State to look at a piece of land and a house. The man was well-dressed, and looked like one of the towns professionals. He introduced his wife Millie, and said he was Hank Greer, the towns lawyer.
Welcome to Campbells Point. Weve been expecting you. I dont know how you do breakfast, but everything in here is great.
A young waitress trotted up, eyes big and bright. Maam, are you really from Washington? Ive heard its very beautiful.
I smiled. Yes, and sometime soon lets get together and Ill show you pictures of where I live and tell you about it.
Yes Maam. Would you like a little more time or are you ready to order?
I glanced at her little nametag. Well Tricia, this is probably the first of many nice breakfasts in here. Id like a pot of tea and a glass of pineapple juice, a cinnamon palmier, 2 eggs scrambled and a side of bacon.
She left with my order as I glanced around the room, not surprised at the number of folks having breakfast so early. They looked like business people on their way to work in town or maybe commuters to Pittsburgh. There were a few farmers in their clean denims and well-worn boots, with caps that said Deere and Bt and Franks Feeds.
The men were talking about feed and fertilizer prices and the energy crisis in the West that was hurting the whole country. They knew when people paid those prices, they didnt spend money on prime beef and pork tenderloin.
Millie looked across at me. I expect youre pretty tired. Lets see, by your body time its not four oclock yet. When I jump time zones I always need a while to get adjusted.
I laughed. Its in my favor then because Im such a lark and have trouble staying up late. When I come east to visit its great since it helps me stay awake longer in the evening. Its a nice time to play Scrabble.
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