by Patricia Fry
“The lies?” Savannah asked.
“The lies and the awful…” She looked at Savannah with tears in her eyes. “I can’t talk about it, it’s too dangerous. But yes, we were to be married as soon as…but that never happened and that has ruined my life. To this day I’m held hostage by…”
“By what?” Savannah asked.
Gail looked at her, then grabbed her bag and slid out of the car. Before closing the door, she said, “Savannah, I’m eager to have you and Maggie help with the cats and I appreciate all you’ve done, but don’t ask me about my past. It’s not something I can talk about.”
****
“Iris, I think we’d better move forward with the research you suggested,” Savannah said into the phone that evening after she and Michael had put the children to bed.
“Huh?”
“There’s something terribly wrong with Gail.”
“Gail Allen? Is she sick? She looked okay when I saw her at the meeting today, except for that wrap around her head.” She paused, then added, “Although she did seem a little nervous or paranoid or something.”
“Yes, she’s kind of an emotional wreck. But there may be a reason.”
“What do you think it is?”
“If I even had a clue I wouldn’t be suggesting we try to find out more about Ronnie.”
“Have you talked to her about him?” Iris asked.
“I tried to and she closed me down. She got real agitated. Iris, I believe she’s afraid of something or someone, and I don’t think it’s all her imagination.”
“So do you think someone did hit her over the head?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t talk to her about that, but I imagine Craig has. Is he home tonight?”
“No,” Iris said. “Want me to have him call you?”
“Yes, would you? He hasn’t said anything to you, has he?”
“Are you kidding?”
Savannah chuckled. “Oh, that’s right, you’re always the last to know.”
“Yes,” Iris carped. “That’s why I rely on you to keep me informed. Otherwise I’m in the dark like some cave dweller.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Savannah snarked. “So yes, have him call me if he isn’t too late getting home. By the way, Iris, have you done any research into Ronnie’s relatives yet?”
“Yes, and no cigar. Savannah, why don’t you talk to Gail’s cousin, since you’ve met her already? She might know something about that family.”
“Good idea,” Savannah agreed. “I think I will.”
“And you’ll let me know what you learn?” Iris asked.
“Sure will. Don’t want you dwelling in that cave forever.” Savannah laughed. “You might run into a bear or a badger or something.”
“Ha-ha,” Iris said.
****
Savannah and Michael were just heading to bed that evening when her phone chimed. She ran to where it was charging and looked at the screen. “Hi, Craig,” she answered.
“Hi. You called?”
“Just wondering what you determined about the cause of Gail Allen’s injury. Was it an accident or…?”
“Not unless she accidently fell backward when one of her cats squeezed her upper arms so hard that it left bruises.”
Savannah was momentarily stunned. “Oh no. So did she tell you anything?”
“No. She’s sticking to the accident story—she tripped over a cat and must have hit her head and arms.”
Savannah thought about what he’d told her, then said, “She has a secret, Craig.”
“No doubt,” he agreed. “Do you think you and your cat could help me drag it out of her before we find her dead?” When she didn’t respond, he said, “Savannah?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I’m just in shock. Why would someone want to hurt that seemingly gentle woman whose only purpose in life appears to be helping those cats?”
“I don’t know. But figure this into the equation; she seems to be hiding out there in that tomb. Why? What or who is she hiding from?”
“Tomb,” Savannah repeated, “that’s an interesting word to use. She told Brianna she’s waiting for something.”
“Yeah, hiding and waiting,” he said. “And she’s touchy about certain lines of questioning or conversation. You’ve noticed that, haven’t you?”
“Oh, yes.”
Craig continued, “She stays to herself more than seems natural. She pretty much lives below the radar. There’s definitely something going on with her, and it appears that whatever it is may have become dangerous for her. We need to find out before…”
“Okay, Craig. What do you want me to do?”
“Befriend her,” he said. “It sounds like you’re already doing that. You’re helping with those stray cats. That’s good. I want you to gain her confidence and try to find out what’s in her past that could be haunting her now.”
“Okay. Iris and I already plan to do some research. If at all possible, we want to find Ronnie Griffith’s family.”
“Good. See what you can uncover about that romance you think was so important.”
“Will do, Craig. Anything else?”
“Yeah, maybe. Once the wild cats are taken care of, if that doesn’t take too long, I’d like the opportunity to search that entire place, inside and out. It would be ideal if you could get her to show you the main house—try to have Rags with you when you do it.”
“I don’t know, Craig. Like you said, she’s pretty closed to any sort of intrusion.”
“Do what you can, Savannah. Just do what you can.”
****
The following day after putting the children down for a nap, Savannah picked up her phone and looked at it. Should I call Adele? Will she think I’m going behind Gail’s back? Well, I kind of am. I have to keep Gail’s trust if I’m going to be of any help to Craig and to Gail. But we need to know what’s going on with her so we can help her. She shook her head and placed the call to Adele. Something’s not right, and Gail could be in danger. When someone answered, Savannah said, “Hello. Is this Adele?”
“Yes. Savannah?”
“Yes.”
Adele laughed. “I’m still getting used to these newfangled phones that tell you who’s calling before you even answer.”
“I know. Isn’t it crazy?”
“And I still don’t trust it.” Adele giggled. “One evening I thought my daughter was calling. When I answered, I made some silly remark to her—you know, joking around about the monster under my grandson’s bed. Turns out it was our pastor calling on Elizabeth’s phone. He’d found it and decided the fastest way to discover who it belonged to was to call the number listed as ‘Mom’. Boy, was I embarrassed.”
“Oh, that’s funny,” Savannah said. “I had a similar experience. One time I thought the name that popped up on my screen was my aunt’s, but it was the butcher at a local meat market calling about an order I’d placed. My aunt and I had been planning an outing together. Earlier, I told her I’d have to discuss it with my husband. Well, in that conversation, she referred to him as the warden. When I picked up the phone later, thinking it was her, I said, ‘Guess what! The warden is letting me out of prison for a three-hour pass.’ Talk about embarrassed!”
Adele laughed heartily. “I guess that’s a lesson to us that we need to pay closer attention.”
“Yes. I hate that technology is such a strong ruler in our lives today. I wonder if it sometimes causes us to miss more of what life’s really about—or should be about.”
Adele sighed. “That’s why I wasn’t eager to buy into the technology craze, yet here I am speaking to you on my constant companion, my cell phone.” She chuckled, then asked, “So what can I do for you this afternoon?”
“As you may know, Gail and I have become friends. At least I hope she considers me a friend. I even get to help her manage her cat colony.”
“You and your group are such a blessing for Gail. Heaven knows she’s been through a lot.”
Savannah waited and when Adele didn’t continue
, she said, “Gail doesn’t talk much about her life, does she? I sense that she has a lot of pent-up emotion—that she’s probably been deeply hurt. Adele, I’d sure like to help if I can. I hope you don’t think I’m prying and I don’t want to put you on the spot, but I think I can be a better friend to Gail if I know something more about her background. Does that make sense?”
“Perfect sense.”
Savannah let out a sigh of relief. “I understand that Gail had an awful shock when her fiancé disappeared many years ago. I saw the picture of her and the young man at her place. He’s Ronnie Griffith, right?”
“Yes. Oh, Savannah, dear, I’m so glad you care enough to ask. Gail and Ronnie were very much in love, and, yes, they planned to be married, but…” Savannah waited for Adele to continue. “…well, like you said, he disappeared. It may have been best for Gail, but of course, she never looked at it that way. In fact, to this day she waits there at her family home for him to return. For some reason she believes he’s out there somewhere, trying to find his way back to her. She dreams about him often, and she has this idea that one day he’ll return.”
Adele paused, then continued, “She has talked to me about all sorts of possible scenarios—he had an accident and lost his memory is at the top of her list. I’ve always thought he was buried under one of those houses over in the Windham tract.”
“Heavens,” Savannah muttered. She went out on a limb and asked, “Why? Who would do that?” When there was no response, she said, “Adele?”
“Yes, I’m here. Savannah, I have my suspicions, but I’m certainly not at liberty to say anything. It could be dangerous for everyone involved, including you. So keep that in mind, will you?”
Savannah thought for a moment, then asked, “Adele, what kind of a young man was Ronnie Griffith?”
Adele’s tone softened. “He was a neat guy. I liked him. In fact, I would have gone out with him if he’d asked me, but he only had eyes for Gail. We’re the same age, you see—same-age cousins. I went on to marry a man I met in college, but Gail never, as far as I know, looked at another man again.”
“Did Ronnie have any relatives?” Savannah asked. “Where did he grow up, here in Hammond?”
“No, in Mason. His family runs a construction business over there. They’re the ones who built the Windham tract. Construction was not Ronnie’s forte, though. He and Gail shared a dream that included traveling and helping others—maybe with the Red Cross or as missionaries—but they didn’t have the opportunity to put any of their dreams into action.” She chuckled. “In fact, Gail sometimes fantasizes about Ronnie being in some far-away country, working with children or animals. He was a big fan of animals. In fact,” she said, “you know all those cats Gail takes care of?”
“Yes,” Savannah said.
“All because of Ronnie. I don’t think she would have ever become so involved with those wild cats, except for the fact that cats were one of Ronnie’s passions.”
“Really?” Savannah said. “Gosh, theirs is such a sad story. I wish I could do something to help Gail participate more in the life she was dealt. I mean, surely he’s gone. It’s sad to think she’s wasting her life in wait mode.”
It took a few moments for Adele to respond. “Gail mentioned she was offered a volunteer position at June Balcomb’s cat shelter. I loved hearing the excitement in her voice when she told me. You know, that might be a lovely start to a new rest of her life. Bless you, Savannah, for what you’re doing for Gail.”
“It’s a community effort,” Savannah said. “You’ve been a wonderful support for many years.”
“Gail is the sister I never had. We’re actually more like sisters than cousins. I love her dearly and I pray every day that she’ll come to life. It’s as if the life has been sucked out of her. I’m pretty sure she can be helped, but it’s going to take a darn-near miracle after all of these years, I can tell you that.”
“Adele, let me ask this: do you think what happened to Gail last Saturday was an accident or was she attacked? Has this sort of thing happened to her before?” After waiting for a few moments, Savannah said, “Adele?”
“Yes, I’m here. Was that an accident?” she repeated. “No. Gail will kill me if she knows I told you this, but here’s my take on those accidents she has.”
“So this sort of thing has happened before?”
“Yes,” Adele said, “and I don’t believe they’re accidents. Savannah, either someone is torturing or threatening her in some manner or, well, I guess there’s the chance that she’s hurting herself. I can’t believe she’s so clumsy that she falls and gets all banged up like that three or four times a year.”
“That often?” Savannah muttered. “I guess a woman in her frame of mind could be doing this to herself.”
“That’s what I thought at one time. But no, I have pretty good reason to believe that’s not the case.” Adele took a deep breath. “You know, I’ve already said too much, and only because I believe it might help you to help her. Again, thank you for caring, Savannah. I must go.”
After ending the call, Savannah thought about what Adele had said. A miracle. Yeah, that’s what Gail needs. How does a woman recover from something that has plagued her in such a devastating way for forty-five years, especially if there’s someone around to keep reminding her? Those accidents could be related to her past. I really need to find someone who can shed more light on Gail’s situation.
She tapped on her phone screen, then typed in Mason, California and Griffith Construction. Nothing. Maybe they don’t use their name in the company name, she thought. Or maybe they no longer own the company. She typed in Griffith and a couple of options came up. Why not? She thought as she punched in the phone number for a Harvey G. Griffith.
She jumped a little when she heard a woman’s voice. “Hello?”
“Hello,” Savannah said, nervously. “I’m Savannah Ivey. Are you a member of the family that owned a construction company in the seventies?”
“Um…sort of, yeah,” the woman said. “The owner was my husband’s uncle. He’s gone now and the business is closed. Are you looking for a builder? My husband and his cousin do small remodel and building projects. I can have Gabe call you if you’d like.”
“Thank you. What I’m looking for is information about another cousin of your husband’s, I’m guessing. Ronnie Griffith.” When the phone seemed to go dead, Savannah said, “Hello? Hello?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Well, ma’am, Ronnie’s been gone now for over forty years.”
“I know,” Savannah said. “Is there someone I could talk to who might know something about what happened to him?”
“How would any of us know that? The idiot authorities couldn’t find Ronnie, and they wouldn’t follow the leads we gave them. They just ran out on us. I was young then, fresh out of college, but it seemed to me then and it’s still reasonable that someone from that crazy-ass Allen clan had something to do with Ronnie’s disappearance.” She spoke in a condescending manner, “They didn’t think he was good enough for their princess of a daughter and we believe to this day that they hurt Ronnie. My husband even has an idea where he’s buried, but no one would listen and he finally gave up and let Ronnie rest in peace.”
“I’m sure it’s been hard on your family. I’m sorry about that, but there’s another person who’s been suffering, too.” Savannah said quietly.
“Yeah? Who’s that?”
“Gail Allen.”
“The princess,” the woman said sarcastically. “Well, that could be because she was in on what happened to Ronnie. Maybe she’s got guilt going on.”
“I doubt that,” Savannah said. “The two of them were in love.”
“So I’m told,” she said without enthusiasm.
“Is there anyone in particular from Gail Allen’s family that you’d suspect of—you know, harming Ronnie?” Savannah asked.
After pausing, the woman said, “Well, it won’t do you any good to know that—the authorities just don’t giv
e a damn—but the most likely suspect always was and still is Tyrone.”
Savannah waited to hear more and finally asked, “Tyrone? Who’s Tyrone?”
“Gail’s twisted brother.”
“Oh? Where is he? Do you know?”
“No. No one knows what happened to him. We think her father was also involved, but he’s gone now and evidently took their wicked secret to the grave. When we heard he was dying, we thought about approaching him one last time to see if he’d help our family heal—you know, give us closure. But we didn’t get there in time. I doubt it would have done any good, anyway.”
“When?” Savannah asked. “When did Mr. Allen die?”
“About a year ago. I heard it was because of a dog bite. Served him right. He hated dogs. I know people who live over there near him and they say he had no tolerance for neighborhood dogs, even friendly ones. Or cats. He hated cats even more. I guess he got bit a long time ago and it never healed right.” She asked, “So what’s your interest in all this?”
“Well, I’ve recently become acquainted with Gail and…”
“Lady, if I were you I’d hightail it far away from that clan.”
“Clan?”
“Trouble runs through their veins. I don’t know what it is—they seem like normal people, but they have this way of attracting trouble and spilling it onto others. I still believe that if Ronnie hadn’t taken up with her, he’d be alive today, following his dreams.”
“So you think he’s dead?”
The woman hesitated. “Well, yeah. If he wasn’t, why wouldn’t he come back to us? Oh yes,” she insisted, “he’s forty-some years dead.”
“Well, thank you…what did you say your name is?”
“Peg. Peg Griffith.”
“Thank you for talking to me, Peg. You’ve certainly shed some interesting light on a puzzling situation.”
“Yeah, for what it’s worth, Ms. Ivey, take my advice and leave Gail Allen be. There’s nothing but trouble and strife around that family.”
Savannah hesitated before saying, “I appreciate your concern. So you don’t have any ideas about where Gail’s brother, Tyrone, is?”
