Kate, unable to slow the speed of her words, told them her tale in five minutes flat.
“You did what?” Abir yelled.
“Calm down, Abir. She needs our support”, Sandra said.
“Lose the head doctor talk, Sandra. I know what I’m talking about. Kate is abrasive as a wire brush by times and is off the freaking rails.”
“There’s no need to talk as if I’m not here. I know I went off the rails. I’m confused, mortified, and thoroughly ashamed of myself. Okay?”
Abir reached for her friend’s hand.
“The job is getting to you”, she said, “I work with the criminal element and I know what it’s like.”
“You scream stress, Kate. Anything else happen this week.”
She told them about her break up with David.
“Glad to hear it”, Abir said. “The man has a lot of redeeming qualities, no doubt, but he’s too old for you, Kate. Think twelve years ahead. Can you see the hanging jowls, sagging belly, bald head and liver spots - a bit harsh maybe, but nevertheless true and you, well you would be in your prime. Good decision.”
Kate looked at her friend and laughed.
“You’re the last person I would take romantic advice from Abir, but you can make me laugh.”
“Listen, Kate, this is serious business. I could speak to one of my colleagues – she is a gifted psychologist – she may be able to fit you in.”
“Thanks. I’ll think about it. So Abir, how did the family visit to Boston go?”
“Rain, it rained the whole week. I oiled my feathers so much Greenpeace is after me.”
“Mind if I join this conversation”, said a voice from on high.
“Please do”, Kate said. “I’m drowning here.”
Hanya took a seat, waved to Jock for her usual glass of red wine. Over the meal, the three friends talked about food, men, sex, and jobs. Abir went on for some length about her volunteer work at the homeless shelter.
“Hazel and I manage to have coffee together once at week at the shelter”, Abir said. “You know her, don’t you, Hanya?”
“Yes, for a few years now.”
“Well she told me the cops came to their abode and read the riot act. Before you say anything, Kate, I’m not fault finding the police; they’re only doing their job. It’s the politics that sucks. My ten minute rant is up so I’ll close my mouth – for now. If anyone wants to hear more, you have my number.”
Hanya sat very still as if making a decision.
“Funny you should bring up Hazel, I was just talking about her with Alexis and Susan.”
They all listened as she told them the story about the two women’s research project and their chance meeting with Hazel.
“I’m not entirely convinced there is a maniacal red headed woman trolling for a killer but the research project is ended.”
Kate couldn’t believe what she was hearing. A woman canvassing the homeless to find someone to do a hit on a black man. She waited until Sandra finished speaking about the lack of mental health care funding before taking her leave.
“I’m sorry but I can’t stay for dessert, I have a bitch of a headache. Enjoy”, she said rising from the table.
Kate hopped in the car and fifteen minutes later walked through the doors of the hospital.
***
At that moment, further downtown, Roger opened his eyes and looked around the hospital room. He must be healing. The nurses aren’t bringing the trays filled with all those pink, blue, red, white and puking green coloured pills. Only those tiny white ones now; only pass out for a little while now.
He lifted his head, did it every chance he got just because he could now that the head brace is gone. No visitors. Hungry. He thought about the last time he ate. Jello, red jello. The last time I ate that I was ten years old. And custard, a yellow lump in a dish the size of a teaspoon. And the tea, too bad Aunt Jane hadn’t been here to tell them what she thought of their tea in a plastic, paper lined cup. No Java yet? Why? His mouth watered at the thought of those barbecued steaks he and Randy demolished over the summer.
Where’s Kate? She was in here not too long ago. I asked her something, what was it? It had something to do with the bathroom. Yes, that was it. I asked her to help me to the bathroom. Brave woman but not too bright sometimes.
He could hear the sound of the crash as the pole holding the bag of liquid meds tipped over. Remember feeling himself go, bracing himself for impact on the floor then feeling the softness of Kate’s body.
He could feel a wave of sleepiness wash over him. He looked at the bathroom door to the right of the bed, it was slightly ajar, an open invitation. He sat up slowly and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He was gazing at the pole with the bag when he felt rather than heard someone enter the room. He looked over to see the Doctor and Nurse whoever - he couldn’t keep their names straight.
“Trying your luck again Roger. Not to worry you’ll be disconnected from that pole very soon. I come bearing good news. You’re healing faster than we thought; the swelling in the brain has subsided and there’s no damage to the frontal lobes. Doesn’t get much better than that, does it?”
“Sure doesn’t. So, when do I get out of here?”
“Slow down. We need to check out the left eye, the blood thinners are doing its job. The clot is shrinking. Takes time though. We need to take the bandages off and test your vision. You’re scheduled for testing tomorrow morning. Everything goes well; I’ll sign the release papers tomorrow morning.”
“Am I going to regain my sight in the left eye?”
“Can’t say. It’s a wait and see thing.”
He looked at Roger’s expression and apologized: “Sorry, no pun intended. Broken ribs have knitted, bruises and contusions are fading. It’s all good.”
“Yes but I still can’t seem to remember anything for any stretch of time.”
“That’s natural, at the rate you’re healing, your memory will be back where it should be in no time.”
“Really? Put that in writing, will you, so I can read it to interested persons.”
Chapter 12
Catherine Stone sat at the stainless steel kitchen table gazing out the patio doors at the autumn leaves; the faint smell of decay drifted in the open kitchen window. Five days had passed since she flushed the drugs; six days since Jeffrey’s funeral; six days since she had seen her lover. She jumped at the sound of her sister’s voice.
“Catherine”, Nora said “you’re shivering.” She leaned over the kitchen sink and closed the window. “Let me get you a sweater. The last thing you need right now is a cold.”
“I’m fine Nora, really I am. I don’t need a sweater and I don’t need the window closed, the air helps clear my head.”
“Okay.” She lifted the window. “Let me make some fresh tea. I could use one filled with lots of sugar and cream.”
Catherine shook her head. “I can’t drink anymore. I’ve had three cups already.” I need you to leave me alone, that’s what I need.
She watched as Nora filled the kettle. My only sister, the youngest of the brood, stands in my kitchen, rattling in the cupboards, and endlessly rattling conversational nonsense. Go home, Nora, go home. The children have left and so should you.
“The police called this morning to set up a time to meet with you. I took the liberty of confirming for 10:00 tomorrow morning.”
Nausea rippled through her intestines. “Yes, that will be fine.”
Nora brought her tea over to the table.
“I am grateful for all you have done, Nora, but it’s time for you to go home. You’ve put your own life on hold long enough. I’ll be fine by myself now.”
She watched the struggle on her sister’s face. Happy at the thought of returning home and concern she would be perceived by others as cruel for leaving her so soon.
“I don’t know I would feel right about it Catherine. It’s so soon for you to be alone.”
“No it’s not. I’m off the medication now so you don’t have to worry about me stumbling around in a daze. You’re only a phone call away, four hours by car, and one hour by plane.” She could see the idea of freedom and home taking root. “Why don’t you take the afternoon for yourself? Go shopping. I’m going to rest before Susan, Alexis and Eleanor arrive.”
Nora nodded. “Louise put together a cold meal for us before she left and there’s plenty of finger food in the freezer for our guests. I could pick up a fresh salad at the market and a good bottle of wine.”
“That would be very helpful.”
“Okay, it’s a sacrifice, but I’ll go shopping.” She took a long swallow of tea, went over to the sink and rinsed her mug, chatting away.
“I better go compose those thank you notes I was going to do this afternoon. If you’re resting, I’ll leave them on the dining room table for you to sign.”
“Thanks.”
Alone. Touch and go, wasn’t sure if she would leave, and don’t know what I would have done if she didn’t. I suppose I could have passed it off as an unexpected visit rather than a pre-arranged one. It was important that she get her words right so while she waited, she rehearsed her speech over and over again.
An hour later she tried to focus on what the voice was saying but the cold heaviness pushing through her veins wouldn’t allow her. The voice was fading. She tried to move but couldn’t. Sorry, Nora. I shouldn’t have sent you away. Please come home. She fought against slipping into unconsciousness. Her body felt swollen, weighted down with molten lead.
The fist broke her nose with one blow. A handful of hair was torn from her scalp as the killer pulled her from the chair. Kicks bruised her kidneys and she heard the crack of her ribs.
Her fading vision barely caught the flash of the knife. She felt the molten lead pour from her body. Its heat burned as it flowed from her nose – wet, hot, rancid. She heard glass smashing and the whoosh of the knife as it ripped through the cushions. She didn’t hear the knife land on the floor, or the front door open, she was unconscious.
***
Nora trounced up Spring Garden Road to Jennifer’s, a craft store she couldn’t pass up visiting whenever she came to the city. Thirty minutes later she put a cable knit sweater into her bag, glanced at her watch and hightailed it down the street towards the market. There was just enough time to pick up the salad and wine, grab a cab back and be back before their guests were due to arrive.
Descending the long hill towards the Maritime Centre, she jumped at the blast of car horns. Turning around, she looked in horror as she saw a city bus, going too fast for the left hand turn, slam into a parked car, flip on its side, and slide down the hill.
The friction of metal on pavement filled the air with smoke. She heard the screams of the passengers on the bus as it sped past her. Oncoming cars veered up on the sidewalk blasting their horns to warn the pedestrians.
Her eyes remained riveted on the bus’s collision path. Horror-struck, she watched as it took on a life of its own, flying through the intersection, taking curb, finally coming to a stop, laying on its side, like a broken toy, halfway up the concrete steps in front the of Centre.
The silence following the noise of the impact was as ominous as the sound of the bus’s screaming descent. She pulled out her cell and began to run. Dialling 911, she found herself unable to speak and hung up. Reaching the bottom of the hill, she heard the first of the sirens. She wasn’t sure how long she stood and watched the rescue but when the last ambulance pulled away, she headed for Catherine’s on foot. No cabs were available.
Forty minutes later, she turned onto her street and saw Eleanor step from a cab parked in front of the house. She hurried towards her.
“My God, what happened to you, Nora?”
“There was an accident. I’m not hurt but there are lots of people who are.”
“You’re in shock. You need a drink. Come on, let’s get inside.”
Nora allowed herself to be led as if she were a child. She fumbled inside her purse for the house key but Eleanor had reached for the handle and opened the door.
“That’s strange”, Nora said. “Catherine always leaves the doors locked.”
Eleanor led Nora through the front hallway into the living room. Nora came to a full stop, she could hear Eleanor gasping for breath but she ignored it and tried to make sense of what she was seeing - the shredded furniture; the broken glass and the crumbled clothes on the chair. She moved closer; it wasn’t clothes; it was a person. It was Catherine. She felt herself losing consciousness and slipped towards the floor. Eleanor managed to break her fall and lead her to the couch. She pulled out her cell and called for an ambulance. It was then she heard the knock on the front door. Damn, who the hell is that and now for God’s sake. She pulled open the door ready to send whoever it was away.
Alexis and Susan looked at Eleanor’s face.
“Are we too early”, Susan asked.
***
Early the next morning, Mrs. Rogers opened her front door, her cat scooted between her legs, ran on the path, crossed the road, heading towards the woods. That cat is half wild. It’s a wonder she comes back at all. She made her way slowly to the mailbox, no letters, but the daily paper was there.
Back in her kitchen, she put the kettle on for another cup of tea, took the paper and sat in the cane rocking chair. She only had one newspaper left to read and she would be caught up on the news. If she found the time, she’d read that last one today for this evening, for the first time since she returned home from her daughters, she was going to Bingo at the Fire Hall and she wanted to maintain her reputation as the lady who knows everything.
***
Kate wasn’t able to meet with Gordon the next morning as he was finishing up paperwork before he left for an afternoon press gathering at the Commissioner’s office. She spent the morning typing up her notes, giving the recorded conversations to the clerical pool to be transcribed, discussed interview techniques with Shirley before she left for her meeting with the officials at manufacturing plant. It was a very hungry Kate who grabbed a late lunch.
Sitting at the deli’s counter, she thought about her conversation with Roger last night. It didn’t go well. He didn’t buy her theory. No damn way, he said, did Stone and Camira’s killer hire thugs to get rid of him. Preposterous. Shit, Kate, his fist shaking in the air, I’m the one on drugs not you. There was no convincing him. She left with mixed feelings, happy to see how much progress he had made and sad that he wouldn’t buy into the theory.
On her way back to the office, she met Gordon at the front entrance.
“I’ve got lots to brief you on when you can spare the time”, she said.
“How about now and let’s do it at the hospital? I hear Roger’s recovering; I’d like to drop by. You can brief me in the cafeteria over their lousy coffee.”
Roger wasn’t in his room, he had been discharged. They had missed him by an hour. The two detectives made their way to the canteen, Gordon filling his cup with coffee the colour of black tar, Kate grabbing a bottle of orange juice from the cold drinks machine.
She had just begun her briefing when she heard a familiar voice.
“Kate, I thought that was you.”
She looked up. Susan and Alexis stood behind Gordon. Oh no, not now.
“Are you here to visit Catherine too?”
“Catherine? Catherine who?”
“Why, Catherine Stone, of course.”
“Susan”, Alexis said, “she doesn’t know.”
“Oh my God, Kate, I’m sorry, I just assumed you knew. Catherine’s in intensive care. Her sister, Nora and Eleanor, found her. It’s touch and go. We were invited for a meal and when we arrived, Eleanor opened the front door with as white a face a
s I ever saw then an ambulance pulled into the driveway. We waited outside for a long while, then the paramedics brought Catherine out on a stretcher. Eleanor and Nora rushed past us to their car. Nora looked to be in shock. We followed them to the hospital in our own car.”
Kate and Gordon rose together and asked what floor Catherine was on. Seconds later, they were heading for the elevators. Susan and Alexis joined the canteen line-up.
“I wonder why a Detective Sergeant and Inspector would be sitting in a hospital cafeteria,” Alexis asked.
“Who knows, it could be anything. Let’s get the coffee and rejoin Nora. I don’t like leaving her alone. Eleanor is too out of it to be of any help.”
Twenty minutes later, Susan and Alexis entered the small waiting room, coffee in hand. They looked around for the two detectives but they were nowhere to be seen. Nora had disappeared as well.
“Where’ Nora” Susan asked.
Eleanor, who was looking out the window into the late afternoon fall darkness, turned.
“The detectives asked her to join them in the conference room.”
Alexis and Susan settled themselves on the cold, plastic chairs and Eleanor joined them. Ten minutes later Kate, Gordon and Nora entered the room.
Nora, tears running down her face, spoke. “She’s gone. Catherine’s gone. How am I going to tell her children?”
Susan and Alexis rushed over and encircled her in their arms; Eleanor turned and looked out the window, her legs visibly trembling.
Gordon and Kate left the bereaved women to themselves and quickly left the room.
Chapter 13
Withers parked his car at the far end of the parking lot and walked to the main entrance. He had decided to drop in and pay Roger a quick visit before heading home to cook his evening meal.
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