by Lori Avocato
“Okay. Of course I’ll need some traveling money and cash for living expenses.”
Scott couldn’t believe this man was his brother, whom he had raised since their parents’ deaths. They had been killed in an automobile crash when he’d been nineteen, Brandon only eleven. If it weren’t for the repercussions to his boss and family, he’d turn his brother over to the police himself. But he swore to his boss he’d take care of the problem. God help him, he wished Brandon would fall off a cliff somewhere. Move to another country would be ideal. His boss didn’t need any more scandal in his life, either. It would sure ruin his boss’ political ambitions.
Scott jerked the drawer open and reached for the checkbook. After writing the check, he handed it to his brother. “This should take care of you for a long time. Get out and don’t come back.”
“This should last for a while, dear brother. See you around.” Brandon pulled on his overcoat and made a hasty retreat.
~ * ~
David and Don ascended the stairs. David thought it better if Judy wasn’t in the room while they interviewed Vick. She didn’t agree, but once her husband had made up his mind, he couldn’t be swayed. Ignoring the men, she walked into the kitchen and put on the water for tea. Waiting for the water to boil, she let her thoughts drift back in time to the day she met David.
He’d come into Madam Cheryl Cherié’s to arrest one of her girls. He’d seen Judy in the upstairs hall and automatically jumped to the wrong conclusion. She’d set him straight in a hurry. How dare he think she was a prostitute! Smiling, she thought of the night he came to ask her out. Madam Cherié sure gave him the third degree. After what seemed like hours, Madam Cherié finally let him into the kitchen. They’d talked for a long time about everything from the newest model of roadsters to their favorite radio programs. By the time he left, she’d been asked on her first date.
She poured the milk into her tea and sat down at the table. She should have told him about her past. But telling it meant reliving it, and she couldn’t go back and relive the hurt and the pain. The horrible loss and sense of helplessness. The misplaced shame.
They married within six months. She never did tell David about her past. What was the point? It was history. Dead. That entire part of her life was dead. Sometimes though, like tonight, her doubts reared their ugly heads. Had she made the right decision in not telling him? Maybe if she had leveled with him from the beginning, he would understand her overpowering need to protect Vick at all costs.
~ * ~
“I don’t believe what just happened,” growled David as he came into the kitchen.
“So tell me.” Judy rose to put water on the stove for coffee.
“There’s nothing, absolutely nothing to tell. That little sis upstairs is either terrified beyond belief, or putting on a good show.” He banged his fist on the table for emphasis and then continued. “For more than two hours, Don and I talked, pleaded, and begged her for information.”
“Okay, so what did she say?”
“We know her hometown now. A little town called Reedville, Georgia.”
“I know where that is! Not even two hours from here. That’s a start, but there’s more, right?”
“Not much.”
“Go on, tell me.” She set the cup of coffee on the table in front of him.
“She went to Montrose High School. This was supposed to be her senior year, but she had to quit because of the baby coming.” He leaned forward and took a sip of the hot brew.
“And?”
“And nothing. All she’s been doing for the last two hours is cry, cry, cry, cry, cry. Several times I thought Don was going to lose his patience. I know I was.”
She leaned forward and caught his hand in hers. “She’s had a rough couple of days. Give her some space. In the meantime, I’ll see what I can get out of her myself. Okay?”
David pushed his cup back. “I guess it will have to be. What other option do I have?”
“Not any, I would say. Just give her a day or two. Let her settle in, and then we’ll probably see a change. She just needs time.”
“That’s just it. We might not have much time. Think about it. Whoever killed her mother could be outside right now, waiting for his chance to get to Victoria, or to you for that matter. What about the other girls and their babies? I hate to say it, but this home is the perfect scenario for a hostage situation.” As in any time of stress, David raked his fingers through his hair. After a turn around the room, he came and stood in front of Judy. “I understand where your heart is, hon. But this is serious business. I’ll give you a day. Then I’m taking her down to the station. Maybe she’ll think better in that environment.” He bent and gave her a kiss. “I’m going to bed. You coming?”
She rose, turned out the lights, then followed David up the stairs. She needed to do some husband control. She’d never seen him this upset before and she hoped never to again.
6
Judy thought about what David had said last night. Was Vick a good actress? She didn’t think so. She was a good judge of character, and that child wasn’t acting. She pulled the tray into her hands and started up the stairs. The Haven House guidelines stated that if the girls didn’t come to breakfast, they did without, but understanding the turmoil Vick was going through, Judy broke her own rule. This connection she felt with the young mother to be was weird. Judy rarely ignored her reliable instincts, and her gut told her to go up and see about Vick. When she reached the door to the girl’s apartment, she knocked.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Judy. I brought you some breakfast.”
“I’m not hungry,” came the pitiful voice from within.
“Come on, Vick, open the door. This tray is heavy.” When the door opened, the raw grief in Vick’s gaze shocked her. Moving inside, she glanced around as she made her way to the drop leaf table in the small kitchen. She tried not to be too obvious when her focus ended on the items scattered on the bed. “I see you’re settling in. Good. Do you need any help?”
“No, ma’am. I’m just looking at some things my grandmother gave me.”
“Okay, but you need to eat. Even if you’re not hungry, that baby you’re carrying is.”
“Oh, I didn’t think about that. I’m sorry.”
“It’s nothing to get upset about. Come on, sit down. I made Blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs. Go ahead and eat before they get cold.” She stepped back so Vick could sit. “Is that stuff on the bed keepsakes your grandmother gave you through the years?”
“No, her lawyer gave me that cigar box full of things that she left me. She left one a little bit bigger for mom. I didn’t get a chance to look into mine, ‘cause we left right away to come here.”
“It’s good you have something to remember her by.”
“I was reading the letter she left me when you knocked on the door.”
“I’m sorry. Did you finish reading it?”
“No, not yet, but I will.”
Vick devoured her breakfast. Apparently it wasn’t only the baby who was hungry.
“Did you say your mom had a box like yours, too?”
“Yes’m, it should still be in her car. Did your husband find it?”
Judy stood up. “I don’t know, but I’ll ask.” Surely David would have said something if they’d found a box of memorabilia. Hmm, what was that letter about? She had to read it and see if it shed any light on what was happening. “What’s in the letter from your grandmother, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Vick had finished eating and returned to the bed. Grasping the letter, she held it to her chest and closed her eyes. “It doesn’t say a whole lot that anyone else would be interested in, ma’am.”
The girl was closing up, protecting all she had left of her family. “Vick, I didn’t know if you would like to share it with someone or not. I just thought something in your letter might help to catch your mother’s killer.”
“Oh, my God. Do you think Grandmother knew we were in danger?
” Not waiting for a reply, she continued, “I don’t think there’s anything in this that would help us now. But just a minute and I’ll be able to tell you if there is.” Vick sat on the side of the bed and read the rest of the letter. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but all she says in this letter is how much she loves me.” Vick wiped a tear away.
Judy picked up the tray and started toward the door. “Okay. If you do see anything that seems a little strange to you, be sure and tell me.” She reached for the doorknob.
“Wait! What about this?” She reached into the cigar box and picked up another envelope, which she handed to Judy. “It’s sort of a coincidence, but you’re the only person I know with this name.”
Judy’s hands shook so much she almost dropped the tray. Cold chills ran down her spine. She took the envelope from Vick’s hand. In big bold letters the name JUDITH stood out across the top. Even after all these years, she recognized the handwriting.
It was her mother’s.
7
When she heard the door slam on David’s car, Judy shoved the unopened letter into the pocket of her apron. She’d been staring at the envelope for well over an hour. What did it say? God, why now after all these years? How in the world did Vick come into all of this, unless… Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away as David entered the room.
“Judy! Where are you?”
“In the kitchen.”
“Hi, hon.” He greeted her with a quick kiss. “Did you have a chance to talk to our girl?”
“Yes, a little. She has a cigar box full of keepsakes her grandmother’s attorney gave her. Vick said her mother had one a little bit bigger than hers. Did you find it in the car?”
“A box, you say?”
“Yes. A box a little larger than a cigar box, filled with memorabilia from her grandmother.”
“No, nothing like that was in the car. Just suitcases full of clothes and one hamper filled with maternity and baby clothes. I was surprised to see that in the car. She must have forgotten to leave it.”
Judy fingered the envelope in her apron pocket. She had to read that letter before she turned it over to her husband. “I guess she was in a hurry. You’re probably right, she just forgot it. You want some coffee or tea?”
David stared at her, giving her a quizzical frown. “Are you trying to change the subject? Did Vick tell you anything else?”
“No, of course not. Why would I hold it from you?” She met his gaze and smiled. “You’re getting paranoid again.”
“Go ahead and make me a cup of coffee. Don’s waiting for me at the station, but I swear I don’t look forward to taking Vick down there. He can wait a few more minutes.” David pulled out the chair and sat down.
She set the hot cup of coffee in front of him. He accepted it with a weary smile. “Do you have to take her down there today? Can’t it wait until after the funeral?”
“No, you know it can’t. Anyway, she’s not going to the funeral, so what’s to keep her from answering some questions?” He took a sip of the hot brew, then frowned at her. “You keep patting your pocket. Hiding something in there?”
She pushed a plate of cookies toward him. “It’s just a letter from Emily. I haven’t had time to read it.”
Bile rose in her throat. She’d never lied to David and it made her physically sick. If what she’d figured in her head was true, their future together was in jeopardy. If this letter was indeed from her mother, that meant only one thing. Vick and Kathleen were related to her. She didn’t want to put to words what her heart was telling her. Vick could be her granddaughter and that meant Kathleen was her daughter. No! Even her mom couldn’t be that spiteful.
David looked at her as if waiting for an answer to a question. “Don’t try to deny it. Something’s bothering you. You’ve hardly heard a word I’ve said.”
“I’m sorry. I’m a nervous wreck. With the murder and now Vick’s life compromised.” That much was true, but still deceiving him ate a hole in her stomach.
David got up and came around the table. He took her hands in his. “Forgive me. I forget you’re not one of my men. I know how fast you form an attachment to the girls.”
“Yes, I do.” She loved him so much. How could she make peace with herself for misleading him? “How do you intend to get Vick out of the house without being seen? I mean, isn’t that the reason she can’t go to the funeral?”
“I’m going to pull the car up to the back door and load up a few of the garbage cans. I’ll get her in the car in between putting them in. Don’t worry. I won’t put her in harm’s way. I promise.”
She gave him a hug. If she is my granddaughter, Don will have hell to pay if one hair on her head is harmed. She’d already lost the daughter she’d always wanted. She’d be darned if she’d lose Vick.
~ * ~
By the time David pulled out of the yard with Vick, Judy had climbed halfway up the stairs to their room. She pulled the envelope out of her pocket and stared at her named sprawled across the front. With shaking fingers she turned it over and used the letter opener on the nightstand. As she unfolded the sheets of paper, she felt the presence of her mother in the room. Her legs turned to Jell-O, so she sat on the bed. Tears welled in her eyes, and she had to wipe them away to read the bold, precise writing she now knew for certain was her mother’s.
Judith,
I know this letter will be a shock to you, but I have no choice right now. I’ve told Kathleen about you, and why you left here. She’s extremely angry with me, and I know that you are, too. Let me explain and maybe you can understand my reasons for doing what I did after you ran away.
Harry got drunk the night you had Kathleen. Yes, I knew that’s the name you’d picked for her. It was the least I could do, since I wouldn’t let you keep her. He accused you of seducing him. I knew in my heart that wasn’t true. I kicked him out and intended to go the home the following morning and get you and the baby. I was stunned to learn you had left during the night. I took Kathleen home with me, hoping to find you in the next few days. I was so worried. How was I to know you’d leave town and never look back? I looked for you for months, Judith. I hired a private detective and had him on retainer for over a year. You’d vanished into thin air.
About a year ago, Vanessa...you remember your best friend? Anyway, her niece was pregnant. She wanted to keep the baby and Vanessa’s sister Beth wouldn’t hear of it. She’d heard about Haven House and Vanessa convinced her to send Diana to you. Do you remember her? She was such a sweet kid. She may even still be with you. I don’t know. I never spoke to Vanessa after that. I don’t think you would have recognized Beth, since she was only five years old when you left. Before I lost contact with Vanessa, she told me all about your place. She of course didn’t know it was you, Judith, who owned it. I was suspicious after hearing all about the wonderful lady who treated each poor girl as her own. Wayne made a trip down there. Yes, Wayne is still with me, but like all of us, getting quite old. He made inquiries and actually saw you out front in your flower garden. It brought tears to his eyes when he told me. I wanted to come see you then, but alas, I am in rather poor health myself and just couldn’t make the trip. I decided to wait until the right time, but when is it ever the right time?
Kathleen has been a Godsend to me. I know I should have sent for you as soon as I found out where you lived. I just couldn’t handle the anger I knew I would see. I’m so very sorry, Judith. You didn’t deserve what I accused you of and certainly not the way I treated you. I don’t expect your forgiveness. That is my lot to carry, but, I hope you can get to know your daughter and granddaughter in my absence. I only have a few more days on this earth and I’ve asked God to forgive me for the way I treated you. That’s why I’m sending Kathleen and Victoria to you. Yes, it’s about time I gave back to you the family I stole from you. Victoria is now in the same way you were all those many years ago. She doesn’t deserve this, either. She’s a good girl, as you were. There are very different circumstances surrounding he
r pregnancy, which puts her and Kathleen in a dangerous situation. I know you’re married to a policeman and so I am assuming they will both be safer there.
Please believe me, Judith, when I tell you that I love you with all my heart. I am so sorry for not believing you. I hope that in sending Kathleen and Victoria to you, it will initiate a healing in your heart and in your feelings about me. They are precious, as you are to me.
I am leaving this letter with Victoria’s keepsakes. I am not sure if Kathleen will tell you herself or, because of the danger they are both in, will choose to leave without telling you. I can go now knowing that both of them are finally where they ought to be.
I love you, Judith.
Mother
Judy stared at the writing on the pages in front of her as her tears fell. It was true. Kathleen was her daughter and now she would never get to know her. Oh, God! Why? After all these years why did You bring her to my doorstep and then rip her away from me a second time? Her heart breaking, she rose, went into the bathroom, and washed her face. She had to figure a way to tell her husband now, no question about that. What was he going to say or do for that matter? After all these years finding out his wife lied to him about having a child.
God, please, please give him a forgiving heart. I never thought for a minute this would come back and haunt me. I thought my daughter was gone forever. And now she really is!
Judy put her face in her hands, sobbing at the injustice of it all. She not only lost her daughter for the second time, but she now might lose her husband, too.
8
“Miss Judy?”
“Huh? Oh, yes, Misty?” Judy turned from the stove and smiled at her newest mom. “Sorry, I have my mind on other matters. Do you need something?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m going to Sam’s tonight. His mom invited Shelly and me over for supper. We shouldn’t be late coming back.”
Thank God Misty had found someone like Sam. It didn’t matter to him that Shelly wasn’t his child. He was the very picture of a proud dad. David had introduced Misty to Sam shortly after she moved in, almost ten months ago. Sam was the new rookie on the force. Who couldn’t love the blond haired, blue-eyed angel and her mom?
