Grant Me The Moon

by Caroline Clemmons

  In a small holding room, Jacob sat at a table with his head on his folded arms. Poor kid swiped a sleeve across his eyes when he heard them enter. He appeared surprised to see Grant.

  “Mr. Grayson, I’m sorry I screwed up on your land but I didn’t kill that man.”

  “I didn’t think you did, Jacob. I came to see how you’re doing. Dr. Fraser was with me but she went to stay with your mom until your aunt can come over.”

  Jacob rubbed a hand across his face as if he were trying to scrub away the day’s events. “Poor Mom must be going crazy. She’s worked awfully hard so I can have everything I need.”

  “This is a difficult time, but she knows you’re innocent. Give the sheriff time to figure out who’s guilty. Do you know how long Dr. Lawson had been dead when you were there?”

  “No, how would I tell?”

  “Could you see blood? If so, was it still red or dried?”

  “Blood was still running like he was alive. That’s why I tried to see if he had a pulse. He didn’t.”

  “So the person who killed him might still have been there or had just left. Did you hear any unusual sounds?”

  “I can’t even think. I know it’s important but I’m too upset to concentrate.”

  “What time did you arrive at the cave?”

  “About ten. I told my mom I was spending the night with Todd.” He leaned back and pressed his hands to his face. “What a dumb thing to do.”

  “Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly so you can calm down.” He gave the boy a few seconds. “Keep your eyes closed. Visualize the scene as you came up the ravine. Was there a car?”

  Jacob leaned back in his chair, eyes still shut. “I didn’t see one, but there must have been. I rode my bike and left it at the bottom of the steps, kind of leaned against the post that anchored the guide rope rail. I went up the steps kind of fast.”

  “So you weren’t especially quiet. What did you hear?”

  “There was a coyote howling off somewhere and that kind of creeped me out. I didn’t think he’d come to the cave, but I wondered if he would have attacked me on my bike.”

  “When you were at the cave entrance, was there a sound? Did you use your light?”

  “I took out my flashlight, but I didn’t need it because of the full moon. I heard the water dripping into the pool. Something scampered across the floor and I thought it might be a mouse. I saw a kangaroo rat when the club was there.”

  “But you didn’t hear anything else? No rocks rolling, no footsteps, no one breathing?”

  “No, but I wasn’t there long. I went toward where the table was. I’d planned to sleep under it because that was the flattest place where there wasn’t any digging.”

  Jacob opened his eyes. “I knew not to step on the part where they were excavating and I avoided that area. I was close to the table, so I set down my backpack. I stepped toward the table and stumbled on the body. I turned on my flashlight and checked on him. He was definitely dead.”

  “Did you shine your flashlight around the cave to see if you were alone?”

  “No, sir. I turned and got out of there. I raced my bike as fast as I could peddle. I know I should have called the sheriff but,” he gestured to the room and table, “I was scared that this would happen. The officers said the knife that killed him was in my backpack, but it wasn’t when I left it there. That knife isn’t mine.”

  “Don’t give up hope, Jacob. A lot of people believe in your innocence. Do you have a lawyer?”

  His dejected expression hit Grant in the gut. “No, and Mom won’t have the money to pay one, either. If they officially arrest me, I’ll have to make do with whoever they appoint.”

  “I’ll call a friend and ask him to come see if he can spring you out of this place. His name is Roger Prather.”

  A glimmer of hope shone in Jacob’s eyes. “I appreciate your help, Mr. Grayson, especially after I trespassed on your ranch.”

  Grant rose and walked toward the door. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hang in there, Jacob.”

  After thanking Earl for his help, Grant dialed as he walked to his truck. “Roger, this is Grant. Can you help a kid who made a stupid mistake but who’s innocent of anything but trespassing?” He filled the lawyer in on the details.

  “How old is he?”

  “He’s a senior in high school so he may have turned eighteen. You’ll have to bill me. The kid’s dad died years ago and his mom won’t be able to afford a defense.”

  Roger was a champion of the underdog. “I’ll go see him now.”

  Grant disconnected and headed to the Brewster home. In 1907, C. W. Post had laid out streets in an orderly manner, expecting the town to be his utopia. Lettered avenues ran north and south while numbered streets ran east and west. If you knew the physical address, you knew precisely the location.

  He pulled up to a small house with a well-kept yard. Apparently Principal Price was no longer consoling Ruth Brewster. Grant would bet Tory was still with the other woman.

  At the front door, he saw through the screen that the two women were seated on the couch. Tory was urging Ruth Brewster to drink the tea she offered. He rapped on the frame.

  Tory turned toward him. “Come in, Grant. You just missed Mr. Price. I’m encouraging Ruth to drink some sweetened tea.”

  Ruth lifted her red-rimmed eyes to meet his. “Did you see Jacob?”

  “Yes, and I called an attorney friend of mine who’s on his way to consult with Jacob. His name is Roger Prather and he’s a good lawyer. You can rest assured he’ll see your son gets a fair shake.” He resisted adding “criminal lawyer” to Roger’s description. No point adding to Ruth’s distress.

  Ruth shook her head, the large handkerchief still clenched in her hand. “Fair would have been my son far away from jail.”

  “He’s not under arrest yet. They admit the knife doesn’t have any prints on it, and that looks fishy. I suspect Roger will get results pretty fast. How old is Jacob?”

  “He was eighteen in April. He can be tried as an adult if they press charges.”

  Tory patted Ruth’s shoulder. “Now don’t borrow trouble. Grant told you he has a great lawyer now. That’s hopeful.”

  Grant heard a car door and stood to look at the street. “I’ll bet this is your sister now. Nice to have relatives nearby.”

  The woman opened the screen door without knocking. “What’s this I hear, Ruth? Anyone who thinks Jacob would hurt someone is crazy.”

  Tory scooted over so the newcomer could sit by her sister. “I’m Tory Fraser and this is Grant Grayson. I waited with Ruth until you could come. Can you stay with her tonight?”

  “Of course. I’m Naomi Rivers. I called my husband and he’s all set to take care of our kids. They’re going for pizza.” She sat beside her sister. “Now, Ruth, you drink up that tea. I’ll see about rustling you up something to eat. I’ll bet you missed lunch.”

  “I couldn’t eat a thing knowing my boy is at the jail.” Ruth launched into another bout of sobs.

  Naomi stood and put her hands on her hips. “Ruth Ann Brewster, you will eat what I fix. You need to keep up your strength. You know Jacob is bound to be worried enough already without you making yourself sick. How do you think that would that make him feel?” She walked into the kitchen.

  Tory took Ruth’s hand. “I can see you’re in good hands. Grant and I will get out of the way and let your sister take care of you. But, if you need anything please call me. I’ve written my cell phone number on the pad by the kitchen phone.”

  “You’ve both been very kind. I appreciate your help more than I can tell you. And Howard Price’s, too.”

  “Excuse me, I’ll just say goodbye to Naomi.” Tory disappeared into the kitchen, but he couldn’t hear what she said. Soon she was back and ready to leave. “Take care of yourself, Ruth. Listen to your sister.”

  He helped Tory into the car and then went around and climbed behind the wheel. “What was that bit in the
kitchen?”

  “I asked if Ruth had any sleeping pills. Her sister said no but her husband was bringing some that he’d had when his back was injured last year. I know it’s not a good idea to pass around meds like that, but she’ll not sleep a wink without help.”

  “Why don’t we ask Dr. Ross to stop by and see her? He can give her what he thinks she needs.”

  Her lovely blue eyes widened and her smile was like sunshine. “Oh, Grant, do you think he would? That would be so much better.”

  Grant pulled over and dialed the doctor. Although Steven Ross didn’t usually make house calls, he was a compassionate man who genuinely cared about his patients.

  “Steven, Grant here. You up for a mission of mercy?” He explained the situation and gave the doctor the Brewster address.

  “Send me the bill, not Mrs. Brewster, okay?” He disconnected and turned toward Tory. “He’s going by in a few minutes. Will you call Ruth?”

  She grinned and held up her phone. “Better, I asked Naomi for her number while I was in the kitchen. She’ll see her sister does what she needs.” She called and told Naomi the doctor was coming by.

  When she’d disconnected, she slipped her phone into her purse. “Naomi said Dr. Ross is the family doctor for both her and her sister so that works out well. Good thinking, Mr. Grayson.”

  He told her in detail about his visit with Jacob and how the knife had been planted in his backpack.

  “Oh, that’s scary. The killer was there when he was.”

  “That’s what I think. If he’d shined his flashlight around the cave, he might have been murdered too. I’m glad he ran away as fast as he could.”

  As they pulled up to the school parking lot, Grant touched her arm then nodded toward her blue Prius. “I’ve been wondering something. How did you and four teens fit inside that small car?”

  She laughed as she unfastened her seatbelt. “Did we look like a circus clown car when we pulled up? Jacob rode in the back center so two of the girls were happy to ride on either side of him. His friend Todd rode in front with me.”

  “Clever planning, Dr. Fraser. Guess that’s why they pay you the big bucks, right?”

  “Ha, sure, teachers make almost enough to live on. And I’d like to take credit but it was Pamela’s idea.” She opened the door and slid out. “Thanks for the help, Grant. You’re a genuine hero in my book.”

  “Yeah?” He liked that idea. “The Navigator may have wheels, but I’m sure all the horses under the hood are to rescue a damsel in distress.”

  She smiled at his joke. “And this damsel is very grateful, Sir Grayson. ’Bye.” She walked to her Prius and unlocked the door. He waited until she’d climbed in and started her car before he waved and drove away.

  On the way home, he kept thinking about that knife. It chilled him how fortunate Jacob was he hadn’t shined his flashlight around the cave. Someone was there watching the boy. The scuffling Jacob had heard must have been the killer moving away from Lawson’s body and he probably held the knife in his hand ready to attack Jacob if necessary.

  Chapter Six

  Tory drove straight home. She knew Grandma must have heard about the murder on the news and about Jacob being linked to the crime. Sure enough, when she let herself into the house, the news was on.

  After clicking the remote and turning off the television, Grandma stabbed a finger in her direction. “Victoria Elizabeth Fraser, about time you got home. You could have called to tell me you were all right.”

  Uh oh, Grandma used her full name. “Grandma? It never occurred to me you’d think otherwise.” She plopped onto an armchair and dropped her purse to the floor. “This has been a terrible, terrible day. Poor Jacob and his mom.” She related all the details she knew.

  Grandma nodded “That Grant Grayson is a good man. I’ll wager he’s paying the lawyer.”

  “He is, how did you guess? And he’s paying Dr. Ross’ bill for him going by the Brewster home to sedate Jacob’s mom. I know she wouldn’t sleep a wink otherwise.”

  “Those Grayson men may have a lot of money, but they aren’t stingy with it when it comes to quietly helping others.”

  She leaned her head back against the chair. Now that she was home, the day’s tension left her drained. “That’s nice to know, Grandma. I don’t mind people having more money than I do, but I hate when they act as if parting with a dime would make them hungry.”

  “The Graysons aren’t flashy with donations, which makes their good work even nicer. Usually have to dig pretty deep to find out who an anonymous donor was, but I have my sources.”

  “After living here most of your life, I’ll bet you do.”

  “I have a roast in the oven. If you want a short nap, I can hold it over an hour.”

  “The aroma is too tempting.” She straightened. “I’ll help you get everything on the table.”

  Grandma gave her a fierce look. “You sit right there, Missy, until I tell you otherwise. I’ll call you when it’s time to come eat.”

  Normally, Tory would never have let her grandmother work without helping, but tonight she had zero energy. The stress of seeing a good student arrested at school weighted her down. She would never display favoritism in class, but there was no denying Jacob was her favorite student. He was so smart and a good young man in spite of his stupid choices last night.

  She recalled Grant asking the students to imagine what it was like with no light except a small fire. He hadn’t intended for anyone to take his statement as an invitation or a challenge. If the act hadn’t required energy, she would have shaken her head in wonder at Jacob taking the suggestion to heart.

  Grant had been right to caution her on Monday. Teens didn’t realize that what seemed like a sensible plan to them could disastrously change their lives forever. She must have been out of her mind to arrange that field trip.

  If she hadn’t though, she might never have met Grant. She’d been here a year and they hadn’t crossed paths. At least, she could be grateful for their friendship.

  Friendship? Was that what they had? She suspected it would grow into something much more. She hoped it would. Before her imagination wandered into dangerous territory, Grandma called her to supper.

  * * *

  All Thursday night, Tory kept thinking of those television crime shows that touted the first forty-eight hours were the most important. Over half of that time had passed when she readied for school the next morning. How could she learn what avenues the sheriff and his office had pursued?

  She opened her phone Friday morning to learn Grant had texted her. She’d left her phone in her purse and hadn’t even charged it overnight. She had enough battery to last today, but she stuffed her charge cord into her bag before she answered his text.

  He’d sent, “First 48 important. I’ll ask Roger where Jacob stands. Check with deputy friend to see if I can find out anything.”

  She answered, “I kept thinking about first 48 all night. Please let me know what you learn.”

  Dialing Naomi, she waited for the woman to answer. “Naomi, this is Tory Fraser. I wondered how Ruth is doing. All her friends at school will want to know.”

  The other woman answered, “The doctor sedated her and she’s still asleep. I’m taking the day off so I can stay with her. I have personal days and sick leave built up and my principal said to take several days if I needed them.”

  “I’m so glad she has you. I’ll tell everyone at school. Let me know if there’s anything I can do or the people at school can.”

  Naomi said, “I’ll let you know how Ruth is doing and if she needs anything. I’ll tell her that her friends at school are cheering for her. Our minister was by last night just before the doctor came, and that helped her.”

  Tory disconnected and found her stress lightened with the news of Ruth’s rest. Now if Jacob was released and any hint of him committing a crime was dismissed, things would look much brighter. After disconnecting with Naomi, she told Grandma goodbye and drove to school.

>   Jacob was the subject of almost every conversation she heard. Those who knew him realized he was innocent but she heard a few negative comments. Refraining from snapping at the detractors took all her control.

  Fortunately, Mr. Price made an announcement first thing defending Jacob. The principal reminded those listening that in the United States everyone is innocent until proven guilty. He asked everyone to keep Jacob in their thoughts and believe in him.

  Tory was still frightened for the teen. Innocent people were convicted many times each year. Terrible things happened to people in prison. She couldn’t stand the thought of Jacob going to jail, much less prison. Mr. Price had said yesterday that the sheriff had agreed to keep Jacob out of a cell until they’d established more cause.

  At noon she thanked the friends who had covered for her yesterday and explained what had happened.

  Pamela said, “You look awful and that’s not said in a mean way. You’re always beautifully groomed and radiant. Today you have dark circles under your eyes and your skin is almost gray. If you weren’t my best friend I’d feel happy to see you looking less than perfect.”

  Tory tried to smile but she imagined it came off as a grimace. “I don’t think I slept over a couple of hours all night and that was only a few minutes at a time. I feel so responsible. I was the one with the stupid idea to drag everyone out to see that dig. If I had invited someone here to lecture about the site, none of this would have happened.”

  “Tory, you are not responsible for all the ills of the world. You’re a great teacher and you’re wrong to beat yourself up about that trip. That was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for these kids to see something historic first hand. I enjoyed myself. The kids were excited as we came back to the school.”

  Elbows on the table, Tory leaned her chin on her hands. “But Jacob is in jail because of my choice.”