Page 28 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

My mom cast a curious glance around. “I never noticed that, but I believe you’re right.”

“Where would Aunt Effie have stored the documents?” I asked, time running short before we had to get to the police station.

“The sizeable pantry off the kitchen was turned into an office years ago. All the original documents would be there, and Edna has scanned some so we have them on the computer, but there is still so much more that needs to be done. You can access the files through my name and password.”

“I appreciate that, Mom.”

“Well, you never know, you may find information that we can add to the Willow family history.”

The pantry turned office was a good size. It contained two small desks and several filing cabinets and some shelving. I had a quick look through some of the files, but I would need more time than we had to do a thorough search.

“I’m going to need to come back, Mom,” I said.

“No problem. I’ll let Edna know and, in the meantime, if you want to have your own key to the place you should apply for a board member seat. The board would snatch you up in a heartbeat. The present board is aging, and like Edna said the historical society needs young people to take an interest and see to the care and future of this place. I believe your Aunt Effie would love for you to carry on the work she started here.”

“I could do that and maybe there is room for Ian as well. He could bring a good prospective being from Scotland, and Amy might want to join as well.”

“The board would be delighted and there certainly is room for all of you,” my mom said, teary-eyed. “It would be nice to know the mansion will continue to have caretakers.”

“We better get going. We’re going to be late as it is to the police station,” I said.

We stepped outside and my mom shook her head. “I left my purse in the office.”

“I’ll get it and lock up the place. You wait by the truck,” I said and hurried back inside.

I grabbed her purse, locked the office door, hurried outside, and quickly locked the door. I turned to go to the truck and froze.

My mom lay on the ground near my truck.

I ran to her, dropping down beside her. Blood ran from a cut on the side of her head. I went to grab my phone from out of my back pocket when I heard a sound. I turned in time to see a guy, the hood on his sweatshirt pulled low over his head to hide his face making a mad dash for the portcullis. I got my phone out of my pocket to get a photo, but it was too late. He was gone. But I did notice he wore biker boots.

I heard a noise behind me and with my mom still out cold on the ground, I didn’t hesitate. I swerved around using my mom’s purse as a weapon since it was big and heavy. It caught the guy in the face, and he stumbled, and I whacked him again with it. He fell to the ground, giving me enough time to call 911. He heard me speaking to the dispatch person and he scrambled to his feet and fled. I finished with, “This is Sheriff Madison’s daughter. I am outside at the Willow Mansion. Please tell him his wife was attacked and needs an ambulance.”

I intended to call my dad myself, but I needed to see to my mom first.

“Mom,” I said, bending down beside her, but she didn’t answer. My heart pounded in my chest, fearing she was hurt badly.

My cell rang and I answered not needing to see who called, I knew it was my dad.

“Pepper, what happened.”

“Mom is unconscious, Dad. Someone struck her hard. She’s bleeding from the side of her head. I can’t wake her,” I said, feeling fear and tears building.

“I’m on my way.”

I almost grabbed my mom and kissed her when I heard her moan.

“Mom,” I cried anxiously.

She moaned again and tried to turn.

“Stay as you are, Mom, someone hit you and your bleeding on the side of your head.”

“Help me up, I’m fine,” she said.

“Stay as you are, Mom. Dad is on his way,” I urged.

“Oh, goodness, he’s going to be upset. Help me up. I don’t want to be lying on the ground when he gets here,” she insisted.

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