"Have him and Megan come to dinner. We can eat here.” He gestured to the table near the window of the sitting room.
"Good enough. Now lie down."
I called the number I'd shoved in my pocket and someone called Don to the phone.
"Aunt Katherine, how's Dad?"
"In shock."
"Just what happened?"
Briefly I told him about Bonnie and Damon. Then I spoke of what had happened when we had returned to the house.
"Rafe? Are you sure?"
"I was as shocked as you are. According to Carl, Damon was the one who forced Ramona off the road."
His quick intake of breath sounded in my ear. “Looks like Rafe was right about her death. We should have left when Bonnie raised a fuss about Ramona becoming a partner in my stead. She'd still be alive."
"You didn't know what was to come and you're not to blame. I thought she wanted to stay here."
"I know. One day I'll believe I'm not at fault. What am I going to tell Megan? She adores Rafe."
I'd seen her adoration the night of the dinner. “The truth. That Rafe was angry and he hurt someone so he has to go to jail. You might consider getting her some outside professional help. If you were back east, Andrew would know who would be best."
"I'll call her pediatrician."
"Good idea. Oh, your things are here at the La Fonda. Your dad and I'd like you and Megan to come for dinner. I'll order from room service. Come around six."
"See you then. Take care of him."
"I will."
From the bedroom I heard ragged, gut-wrenching sobs. I went to Lars and held him while he wept. My tears joined his. Finally he took a number of deep shuddering breaths.
"I wish...” His voice broke. “Rafe..."
"Was an angry man and not in control. You couldn't have known. I didn't. I liked and trusted him."
"I'm so tired, but there's so much to do that I don't know where to begin."
"You can't do anything today. Just rest.” I stroked his back. “Tomorrow we can find out when her body will be released. Do you want to call your sons back east?"
"Later.” He looked into my eyes. “A private funeral. Just you and the family."
"Probably best."
I stayed beside him until he fell asleep. Then I ordered dinner for four, made tea and turned on the television. I carried a cup of tea and stood at the window to watch the snow fall.
When the local news began, Lars’ tragedy was aired with some additions. Carl had died on the way to the hospital. After confessing Rafe had grabbed one of the officer's guns and made a break for freedom. He was shot and died instantly.
My feelings were mixed. I had liked Rafe Diaz, but his actions had sickened me. They'd brought my dearest friend grief and pain. Lars would never forget what had happened here. Neither would I.
* * * *
Don and Megan arrived just as the news ended. I turned off the television. Don hugged me. Sadness filled his eyes.
"Where my pop?” Megan asked. “I bring Rose Prairie. Her help my pop not be sad.” She unzipped her jacket and the kitten leaped to the floor.
"Megan.” Don said. “I told you no."
"But you say my pop sad."
Just then Lars emerged from the bedroom. He scooped up the kitten. A smile formed. He sat on the loveseat. Megan crawled beside him. “Thank you."
"I sad, too, Pop."
Lars nodded. “Being sad is okay. One day we'll be happy again."
She nodded. “When we live wif Aunt Kaferine."
I prayed those words would be true. I joined them on the loveseat. Don sat on one of the chairs. “Is there anything I can do? I called my brothers. They'll be here for the funeral."
Lars looked up. “Could you postpone your moving day until late summer. By then things should be wound up around here."
"No problem.” Don shook his head. “I don't know what to say or think."
"Me either,” Lars said. “We'll talk and we'll come to terms with all that's happened. We have Megan and Rose Prairie to help us."
Before long our meal arrived. None of us had much appetite, but we ate because we wanted to set an example for Megan. After dinner, Don and Lars went to the bedroom to discuss the funeral plans and for Lars to speak to Carl's and Damon's parents. I stayed in the living room to entertain Megan and the kitten.
"Aunt Kaferine, why Rafe was angry?"
I brushed my hand over her dark curls. “He thought Aunt Bonnie did something bad."
She nodded. “Her did. Rafe, too. Not my Mommy."
"Not your Mommy,” I agreed.
"Soon we live near you."
"That will be fun."
"You want to marry wif my pop?"
"Maybe."
She looked at me. “Then you be my gramma not Aunt Kaferine."
"I certainly would. What do you think about that?"
"Yes. Will Aunt Bonnie get bury like Mommy?"
"Yes."
"Okay.” She stroked the kitten. “Can I see TV?"
I pressed the button and found a family show. A short time later Don and Lars emerged from the bedroom.
"Button, we're going to go now."
"Home?” she asked.
Don shook his head. “Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow.’ He turned. “Call me when you have news."
"Will do,” Lars said. “After I make arrangements."
Once they left, Lars’ shoulders slumped. “I feel so inadequate."
"That's shock talking. Too much has happened in too little time, not to mention your life was threatened."
He nodded. “Brew some tea and help me make plans for the funerals."
"Funerals?"
He nodded. “There are four. We talked to Damon's and Carl's parents. I have to arrange to have their bodies sent to them. Rafe had no relatives other than Ramona and Megan. Don will take care of his funeral."
I put my arms around him. “I'll help."
"I know.” He pressed his lips to mine.
* * * *
Two days later Lars’ older sons and their wives arrived. Bonnie's funeral was the next day and as Lars wished, a quiet affair.
While we waited for the service to begin, Jaime Verdigras slipped into the room at the funeral home. He stood at Bonnie's coffin for several minutes, then came to me. He handed me a bag containing the necklace and earrings. “Bonnie left them at my place."
"Thank you."
"What is Lars going to do about...” He shook his head. “I believed in her. I loved her."
"I believe Lars is willing to let matters drop."
He nodded. “I wish I hadn't fallen for her lies."
"You're not the only one who did."
He slipped away. Lars came over. “What did he want?"
"To return the jewelry."
"I'm glad for that much."
"So am I."
After the service, we went to the cemetery. Once we returned to the house, we gathered in the dining room to eat the meal Lars had had delivered.
The next morning, I went with Don and Megan to Rafe's funeral. Lars stayed at home. Though I would rather have stayed with him, I knew Don and his daughter needed me.
* * * *
On the day I returned home, Lars drove me to the airport since I'd returned the rental car when his sons returned home. We checked my bags in and then strolled to the departure gate.
"When will I see you again?” I asked.
"I'll try to make Pete's wedding. There's so much to sort out. Don's been a big help. Kate..."
"I wish I could stay."
He pulled me into an embrace. “I know you can't. We should have married years ago. Bonnie might have turned out different, less dependent, less greedy."
I shook my head. “Don't second guess."
He kissed me. “I will get past this."
They called for my boarding. I eased out of his arms and picked up my carry-on. “Stay well. Stay safe. When this is less raw, we'll talk."
"That we wi
ll.” He hugged me. “Stay out of trouble. I love you."
"Love you, too.” At the entrance to the ramp, I turned and waved. Then I headed down the tunnel to the plane.
* * * *
A month later I stood with Beth and Robby in the vestibule of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and waited for one of the ushers to escort me to my seat. “Beth, you look beautiful.” I straightened Robby's tie. “And you look handsome."
"Are you sure you don't mind having him for a week?” Beth asked.
"I've some interesting times planned,” I said.
The door opened. Lars slipped inside. I went to him and took his hand. “You came."
"I said I'd try. Have to return tomorrow. Expect Don, Megan and me by the middle of August."
"That's wonderful."
"Will you stay out of mischief?"
"If I can. Go find your seat. First row, left side.” I wasn't about to mention the strange conversation I'd overheard this morning at the beauty parlor.
He strode down the aisle. I turned to Beth. “It's time."
She nodded. “Thanks for all you've done."
"What else can a mother do?” I smiled. Something good had come from Roger Brandon's manipulations. Maybe Bonnie's would have a positive conclusion, too.
The young police officer took my arm and we walked down the aisle. I entered the pew where Lars waited and took his hand. Silence filled the church. Then the organ began. We turned to watch Beth and Robby walk toward the altar where Pete waited. Lars raised my hand to his lips.
~
The End
~
[Back to Table of Contents]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
~
* * * *
Janet Lane Walters lives in the scenic Hudson Valley with her physician husband. She is the mother of four children, two boys and two girls, and the grandmother of four, two boys and two girls. Janet has a BS in Nursing and a BA in English with a focus on creative writing. She has had dual careers, taking time from writing to put her four children through college. Janet has published a dozen short stories, as many poems, two non-fiction books written while a ghost writer for two doctors. She is an eclectic writer and has published 11 novels, six of them electronically, two mysteries, one suspense, and three romances. “Prescription For Love” is her eleventh novel and the sixth electronic novel. She is a member of EPIC, Sisters in Crime and RWA.
* * *
Visit www.diskuspublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 15
