Winning a brand new house in a micro-village sounds ideal, doesn't it? It is. Of course they don't tell you that a micro-village is treated like an old fashioned village and has many rules.
Most rules I was exempt from, since I was over sixty and also a bit disabled. There were some, however, that no one was exempt from...
"Time for church, Mrs. Rutland." Came a yell at my front door. At least it was locked this time. There is nothing ruder than some busy body walking in on you when you are dressing.
I walked to the door and rolled my eyes, taking a deep breath before I opened it and pasting a smile on my face.
"Good morning, Mrs. Johnson." I said with only a bit of sarcasm in my voice. Mrs. Johnson was the head busy body and gossip, so the head hypocrite.
We walked to church together, a protestant church. I had been Catholic before, but was nothing now. I was a God believer, but hated organized religion. I was told quickly that church on Sunday and Wednesday nights was mandatory for all members of the village.
Let me back up a bit... I won a contest to live in a brand new home in a brand new village in downtown Charlotte, NC. It was called, Queen Charlotte Homes and was just a few minutes from any venue of importance; theater, sports, etc. I had been very pleased and excited, but then I moved in and there were so many restrictions. Had I read the agreement before I moved in? No. Did I regret it? Yes. Did I regret it enough to not want to live rent free for the rest of my life? Hell, no!
I had a deluxe, first floor apartment that was fully handicapped accessible and had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Could I have company? Maybe, if they were approved first by the board. My children were pre-approved in case I became ill and there really wasn't anyone else, but it was the principle.
My Social Security checks were now socked away in the bank and I was able to have wonderful and healthy food and even help with housework. I could shop, go to museums, shows and anything I wanted to do.
So what is my beef?
It is the screams in the night...
At first I thought it was just the new location, but it continued. I even had the kids stay over a few times, but I wasn't screaming in dreams and they didn't hear the screams. I was scared, not for me, but for the screamer.
I joined every club and activity that Mrs. Johnson wasn't part of, helped in every class that needed me, cooked for bake sales and anything I could think of to see all the villagers, for we were all ages and all socioeconomic statuses. We were a village.
I looked for injuries, never saw visible bruises, but I knew too well they could be hidden. I did see strange behavior, but this was a strange place. Mandatory religious service attendance was archaic at best. How could they get away with it since some of the incomes were government subsidized? I didn't think they could and I had the kids researching just that.
The estate attorney I retained was young and also lived there, so I was hesitant to ask him what he thought of the place. He was always nervous and jumpy though.
Anyway, life is pretty good, all things considered. I live in safety, plenty of places to walk and shop and even a park to watch the children and their dogs. I was going to adopt a dog, maybe right before Thanksgiving.
***
Halloween was coming and I prepared a door decoration, as required and bought all the 'acceptable' candy from a list. It was all laid out; no thinking needed.
On Halloween night, after the trick or treaters were sound asleep, the screaming began again and this time I called 911.
"911, what is your emergency?"
"Someone is screaming!"
"I see your location, ma'am and you have your own security force, I will dispatch them." The line was disconnected.
Great! Now the security people would come and think I was crazy. I made sure they knew I was fully awake and even freshened my lipstick.
A tapping at the door announced their bored response.
"Mrs. Rutland, what is the problem?" One actually yawned.
"I heard someone screaming. I wanted to help." I knew to play this carefully.
"It IS Halloween, Ma'am." I nodded.
"But the kids are long asleep."
"But the teenagers sneak out sometimes, right?" The larger one said.
"Well, I bet you are right about that!" I said, like this would explain the problem.
He patted me on the head, like I was a good dog and left. I was relieved they left and knew calling 911 wouldn't help in the future. I closed up the house and turned off the lights and hoped the screams were over for the night.
***
My housekeeper quit right before Thanksgiving, so I set up an ad and had it approved, of course. A young man answered the ad, and I figured I would give him a try and maybe I would feel safer.
He handed me a letter as he arrived, flashed a badge and put a finger over his lips as he scanned the house for 'bugs'.
The letter said to carry on a casual conversation and an interview while he checked things out, for he was here to help.
"So, what experience have you had in housekeeping, young man?"
"I was the oldest of eight kids and my mom died young, so I learned with my dad how to take care of a house." He nodded for me to continue.
"Oh, my goodness, how sad. I am so sorry... "
"No, no, it was long ago, but thank you. I feel I could help you and I need the extra money for tuition at college."
"What are you taking?"
"I am going to nursing school, ma'am."
"I was a nurse, actually still am, just can't work anymore. I will be glad to help in any way I can, which seems to mean, you have the job."
"Why thank you! I won't let you down, Ma'am. Would you like me to do a few things today while you show me around?" He nodded.
"Please, that would be great." I walked him through the place and he showed me notes as to what was really going on.
'I am Josh Hedren FBI.' Said the first note. I nodded. I kept talking about the house and appliances as he went on.
'I am here to investigate the village.' I nodded and mouthed 'good'.
"Do you get along with dogs, Josh? I am getting a dog this week."
"Yes, Ma'am and I love them."
'We actually have a dog for you, as well.' My eyes bugged out and I smiled. I hoped it was a German Shepherd.
'I will arrange with your children to deliver the dog with my guidance. They know what is going on, but don't trust phones or anything, really.' I nodded again.
***
On Tuesday, Josh arrived at the same time the kids did and the dog. I had noticed a large German Shepherd sitting stock still in the back seat, so assumed he had been commanded to be still. I laughed to myself wondering how long he had been like that and how scared the kids looked.
Josh went to the car and whispered to the dog and he was soon walking around freely, smelling trees and watering a few. We all went inside and there was small talk, but note writing as well.
We began the early prep for the meal on Thursday and I showed Shamu, the police dog's name, outside to my fenced in back yard. I sat out there a while with him, for he was one gorgeous creature, but I knew they would never let me keep him. He came to me, looked me in the eyes, turned his head sideways and then put his paw in my lap.
I saw then that he was an old dog, many scars on his body. Maybe they would let me keep him. I hugged him and we stayed that way until Josh walked outside and rolled his eyes.
Shamu was suddenly alert and at attention. "Rest, Shamu, rest." He settled at my feet, head on my Crocs. I loved this dog!
Josh handed me a note, but said, "Do you want the sweet potatoes baking?" He said aloud.
"Please, that works great." The note said, 'Shamu will protect you with his life.'
I nodded and tears filled my eyes. I would do the same for Shamu.
We were perfect for each other; scarred and tired, but enough life left in us to seek and have fun. I stood and reached in my apron pocket. I pulled out a tennis ball and showed it Josh, he nodded.
"Shamu?" He saw the ball and his eyes gleamed. I threw it, not far, but he ran for it and we did that for about thirty minutes and then went in to eat.
As the night ended, I read from the notes Josh hand handed me.
"Josh? I know your family lives in Raleigh, so would you eat dinner with us Thursday?" The kids chimed in and asked him also.
"Would you mind if I bring my roommate? He won't eat much." We all laughed.
"Please do! There will be too many leftovers otherwise."
We said good night and then I realized that I had a dog. He was right next to me and put his head under my hand. We sat and then he went to the back door about eleven. After his nature visit, we went to bed.
I was glad I opted for the Queen sized bed or I would have been on the floor. Shamu was a large dog. I slept wonderfully and if there were screams, I never heard them.
***
Thanksgiving morning was cold and clear. The leaves blew in the slight breeze and I watched as Shamu chased them. He just wanted to play and relax in his old age. Heck! So did I.
Josh and his roommate showed up about noon and we got to work. Jim, I was told, was also FBI and we all passed notes, until I found a dry erase board which was much faster.
"Jim? Are you in nursing school too?"
"No, Ma'am, I am a machine kinda guy, so studying to be a mechanic."
"We always need good mechanics. Tell me, could you take a look at my scooter for me? I love to use it to go to the market, but it keeps stalling." It was no problem, but a good reason for him to go to the storage building, outside and the garage areas.
"Yes, ma'am. I am better at that than mashing potatoes." He left and took Shamu with him.
They were back quickly and Jim began writing so fast on the board, it squeaked, so I began to sing and then Shamu began to howl. It was hilarious!
The notes on the board were not hilarious. My whole house was wired, it seemed. There were cameras in the living room and listening devices everywhere else, even the land line phone. The main discovery, which explained the screaming, was a speaker in the bedroom heating vent. They were trying to run me out.
I patted Shamu on the head, not for his sake, but for mine. He took my hand in his mouth and led me to a chair.
'Why me?' I mouthed. They shook their heads, but I knew they were here for that reason as well as others with the village.
Many messages came across the board: Are you rich? Hidden funds somewhere? Property? Stocks? Your kids? I shook my head to all questions. We were stymied.
They figured it was the property then. Someone was definitely trying to get rid of me. Jim pulled out his laptop, he was really a computer expert, and began to investigate the contest company.
Answers began to surface... the contest company was affiliated with the village company and it was a huge scam, perpetrated many times before, in other cities, but always under different names and circumstances.
They hooked folks in with the contest, moved them in, had them declared incompetent or worse and then took over the property and repeated the process. The hidden part was that people were allowed to enter the contest by paying as well. Each entry cost a thousand dollars, so they needed to be able to repeat the contest often. They couldn't do that with someone in the houses.
"Whew!" I exclaimed. The men looked at me. I recovered quickly. "Cooking is hard work!" I blushed at my mistake. They smiled and agreed verbally.
"I think Shamu and I will go out back and play a bit." They nodded, for their was much work for them now and the kids would arrive soon.
We played and laughed and them Mrs. Johnson literally stuck her head over my privacy fence. She must have climbed a ladder.
"What is that beast?!" She demanded.
"This is Shamu."
"Well! I will be taking this up with the board! He is much too large a dog for our community!" I opened my mouth, but she was gone.
Josh had been listening at the door and shook his head. He said loudly, "Shamu meets the requirements of the board. Your kids checked first. Don't worry about that busy body." I gaped at him and he patted my cheek gently.
The kids arrived and we had a wonderful dinner, providing Jim with plate after plate as he tapped computer keys. By evening, I was dozing on the couch with Shamu by my side.
The kids left and the men continued to work. They finally said good night after ten PM coffee and dessert' Shamu and I had no work to do, so we went to bed.
While I drank my coffee, prepared my Josh. We watched the morning news which he had made a point of selecting for me.
'We have Breaking News from the Queen Charlotte Homes in downtown.'
'The owners and managers of the prestigious community have been arrested for Federal, State and even City violations. The mother company, Divine Contests, is also under investigation and we are told that arrests will be forthcoming there as well. More at six PM.'
I cheered and Shamu danced. I mouthed to Josh, 'Can I talk now?' He nodded.
"Yes, you can talk all you want and Shamu can bark and all the wires, bugs, and speakers have been disconnected. You are free again."
"Whew!" I hugged Shamu. "Oh! Uh, I love this dog, by the way... is there any way I could keep him?" I donned a sweet old lady smile.
"He is yours. He was ready for retirement and this was his last job. I will give you his list of commands though, just in case Mrs. Johnson wants to bother you again." We laughed and I looked at Josh as he said good bye to Shamu. Shamu seemed to understand.
"Mrs. Rutland, would it be possible if I came to visit you?"
"I was going to say that you, and even Jim, better come visit me and, well, if you know any retired cops who might like an old woman, bring them along too." I blushed and Shamu pushed my hand.
We hugged good bye and he slipped me a card with commands for my retired police dog, Shamu, trained to kill, but now rolling on the carpet in front of the fireplace, tongue hanging out, looking like a puppy. I loved this dog!
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