by Ann Mullen
Savannah and Vera left to go pick up McCoy at the airport with a promise to let me know how things turned out.
Mom called to say they had made it home safely, and she was so glad that Billy hadn’t died. She said that Claire and Randy were on pins and needles until she called them from the car.
Helene, Jonathan, Billy, and I decorated the Christmas tree and then had a late night glass or two of eggnog. I didn’t care for the egg, but I sure liked the nog.
Athena tried to eat an ornament, while Thor tried to eat the ornament boxes.
Spice Cat lay under the tree the whole time.
Later, we all sat back and admired our handiwork as we discussed the last four days.
“Now that you’re not dead, Billy, I think we should take a vacation. How about a cruise?”
“Oh, Lord,” he replied. “Bullets and boats—I’m not so sure I like that idea.”
“You will, heap big warrior,” I said. “Trust me.”
Epilogue
Saturday morning we awoke to a landscape of white. As predicted, six inches of snow had fallen and covered the leftover dirty snow from the previous snowfall. It was a beautiful sight. Daniel would have approved of this day. He, too, loved the snow. He once told me that everything seemed tranquil when it snowed. The world was at peace. This would be a perfect day to lay him to rest. His final journey would be that of a pristine, white landscape leading to a site he loved, attended by all who loved him. The cemetery on the hill overlooked the entire family property. Daniel would be there to watch over us. This gave me comfort as I dressed for the funeral of a beloved family member… and friend.
When I asked Billy about the road up to the cemetery, he said that the minute the snow had stopped, the chief had a crew come in to plow the road. It must have been awfully early, because I never heard a sound.
The service was held at Chief Sam and Sarah’s home. They balked at the idea of having their son laid out at a funeral home. There was no visitation the night before like there usually would be. This was a Cherokee funeral and things were done differently. At first, there was only going to be a graveside service, but Sarah decided she wanted everyone to have a chance to say their good-byes in the comfort of the Blackhawk home. The open casket was set in the large living room with Chief Sam paying homage to his departed son, and anyone who wished to speak was invited to do so. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Billy got up and spoke. I stood beside him and held his hand as he told of stories that made us laugh and then of times that made us cry. Some of his words were spoken in Cherokee, but that didn’t matter. We all understood.
I looked across the room at the friends and family members who attended. Folks were scattered everywhere, some sitting while others stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder.
I smiled when I saw Frank Trainum and his fiancé, Alexandra, Isabel, Abby and Pete Morgan, Cole, Sheriff Hudson, Deputy Ronnie Crumpler—according to the name on his uniform—and two other Greene County deputies, Captain Waverly and two of his men, Savannah and McCoy, Vera, Daisy and Gabe Clark, Lu Ann Knots, and the many other friends and family members—some of whom I didn’t know their names.
The drive to the cemetery was sad. I held onto Billy’s hand the whole way… and cried.
“Don’t cry, `ge ya,” Billy said. “Daniel will always be with us.”
After a brief prayer at the grave site, we gathered together to console each other and talk about Daniel. Mom never left my side. Her strength and the love of my husband kept me going. I like to think that I gave the same strength to Billy. Before we were to depart, snow started to fall.
“My son would approve,” Chief Sam said to the crowd. “As a child, I couldn’t keep him inside when it snowed. Now we will celebrate his life. Please join his mother and me back at the house for a feast prepared by Robert’s restaurant.” The chief looked at Robert and said, “Thank you, son. Your brother would be honored.”
“It is my pleasure to be able to do this last thing for my brother,” he replied, a tear in his eye. “I will miss him every day of my life.”
Greg came up to me, hugged me, and told me that his father adored me. He said that this family needed a rebel like me. I laughed and said, “Thanks. I think.”
He rejoined his mother, but not before he had a chance to tell me about his girlfriend. He was in love. I smiled at him as he walked away.
I shivered as I crawled back into the car. The trek back to Sarah and the chief’s home was an emotional ride… as if the end of an era had come. I told Billy about my feelings and he agreed.
“When you lose a loved one, you are changed forever. You must accept it and move on.”
“I’ll do my best.” I continued to cry.
He laughed at me and said, “You have a kind heart.”
“I’m such a crybaby, but I can’t help it.”
“Your feelings run deep. That is why you cry.”
“Promise you will never die on me.”
“I’ll do my best.”
I looked down and said, “This is the first funeral I’ve been to that I had to wear snow boots.”
Billy only smiled.
As everyone gathered together for a toast, Chief Sam thanked his family and friends for their devotion to his son. “Let the celebration begin,” he said as he raised his glass. “This is for you, Daniel.”
The festivities continued for most of the afternoon. People gathered to talk about Daniel or whatever was on their mind. Finally, I asked Sheriff Hudson about Eric Webster.
“He’s going to make it,” the sheriff said. “Unfortunately, he’s going to spend a lot of his life behind bars. Wayne Avery might not be so lucky.”
“I told him he was going to get the death penalty.”
“You might be right. You always seem to be one step ahead of me.”
“Not so. I would’ve used the old death penalty threat on anyone if I wanted to get a confession.”
“You surprise me, Jesse. Here’s one for you. Your mother wants me to perform the wedding ceremony for her and Eddie at her house. She asked me about it a little while ago.”
“What?” I gasped. I looked over at Mom and then back to the sheriff. “She never said a word to me.”
“I know. Gee, it’s so nice to know more than you.”
“Not so, pal,” I smiled. “Here’s one for you. Vera has a crush on you.”
“That’s just not true!” He looked over at Vera.
She smiled back at him.
“She’s a very nice person. She’d make you a good wife.”
“She’s got ten years on me.”
“What does that matter when true love is involved? Look at me and Billy. He’s got more than ten years on me, and we’re great together. Besides, you need a woman in your life. Your job can’t be that rewarding.”
“I know, but she’s old enough to be my mother. Don’t you know anyone close to my own age?”
“I’ll keep my eyes open for you.”
“Never mind. I don’t think I want your help.” He smiled and walked away.
“What did you do to him?” Savannah asked. “He looked as if he was afraid you were going to shoot him.” She chuckled. “Jesse, I want you to meet my husband, McCoy.” She looked at him and said, “This is Jesse, the one I told you about.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said as he held out his hand. “Savannah speaks highly of you.”
“That’s because she doesn’t know me well.” I winked at her.
“You saved her life and for that I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks.”
“Savannah is a wonderful person. You’re lucky to have such a loving wife. If you want to keep her, I suggest that you move your butt here.”
He laughed and said, “She said you were up-front, and she was right. I wish someone had been that frank with me a while back.”
“Some wives have a tendency to be non-confrontational. I’m not one of them. I would’ve told you to be with me, or get out of my life. Ei
ther you love your wife or you don’t. Which is it?”
“But you don’t understand. I have a law practice back home.”
“And you don’t think we have enough criminals for you to sustain a practice here. Boy, have I got news for you. No, I think you’re afraid your wife’s success will overshadow yours.”
“Wow! That was hard.”
“But true,” Savannah agreed with me. “I’ve felt that all along, but could never bring myself to say it.”
I smiled and stepped closer to McCoy. “I know you must think I’m terrible, but the truth is, there is no excuse to be separated from your wife unless you no longer want to be in the marriage. She deserves better.”
“You’re absolutely right,” he said. “I love my wife. There’s no reason for us to be apart.”
“Now that I’ve overstepped my bounds, I have other fish to fry. It’s been nice meeting you, McCoy, and I hope you will move here.”
“Thanks, Jesse,” Savannah whispered as I walked away.
I went in search of my mother. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but now I was certain that my mother was avoiding me. I was also beginning to wonder if she had sent Sheriff Hudson over to break the news of her impending nuptials. I was about to find out. I saw Mom standing over by the buffet table talking to Billy. When I approached her, she looked up and stepped closer to my husband.
“He can’t help you, woman!” I said.
“Behave yourself, `ge ya,” Billy said, defending my mother. “She was going to tell you, but never found the right time.” He looked at Mom and said, “I guess now would be the right time.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right, Billy. There’s no time like the present.”
“I’m so happy for you, Mom,” I said, hugging her. “Dad would approve. Eddie’s a nice man. If you love him, that’s all that counts.”
“Does that mean that you don’t?”
“I don’t what?”
“Love him?”
“I hardly know him, but if I did know him better, I’m sure I would.”
“You would what?” Claire asked as she walked up with Randy by her side.
“Love Eddie.”
“He is a wonderful man, isn’t he?” Sarah asked as she peeked out from behind Claire. “Isn’t it wonderful news?”
“What news,” Chief Sam asked.
“The news about Eddie and Minnie,” Daisy Clark added.
“Yes,” Gabe stated. “We were so glad to hear about the baby.”
“What baby?” Mom asked.
“Claire and Randy’s.”
All of us turned to look at my sister.
“What else is going on that I don’t know about?” I demanded.
“Alexandra and I got married last week at the Justice of the Peace,” Detective Frank Trainum stepped forward and said. “We’ll be moving here in a couple of weeks. She got a job at UVA Hospital, and I’m taking a job with the Charlottesville Police Department. I’ll be working for Captain Waverly.”
My mouth dropped open. “That’s it!” I said, holding up my hand. “Stop! I can’t handle any more news!”
“Then I guess you don’t want to know about…”
Everyone turned to look at Jonathan.
“Your news is old news to me, but I’m sure everyone here would like the details.” I smiled.
“I’m going to marry Lu Ann.”
Chief Sam looked over at his wife. I saw a concerned look on his face and I didn’t think it was about the soon-to-be wedding. No, he had something else on his mind. I was determined to find out.
Sarah was thrilled at the news that her son was going to get married. “Grandchildren!” she said. “I want lots of grandchildren!”
I quietly walked over to the chief and whispered in his ear, “What’s the matter, Chief Sam?”
“I worry about Sarah. She has not been feeling well, but she won’t go to a doctor. I do not have the medicine to fix her.”
“I’ll take her to the doctor.”
The chief looked at me and smiled. “I believe you will. If anyone can get her to go, it will be you.”
“Excuse me, Chief Sam, but I have someone I need to talk to.”
He kissed me on the cheek and said, “You are a good woman. My son made the right choice.”
“Who said that he was the one who made the choice?” I winked at the chief and walked off.
I walked over to Captain Waverly and asked, “How is Officer Whalen? I’ve been very concerned about him.”
“He’s doing very well. He should be back on active duty soon.”
“Please give him my best.”
“I will,” the captain responded. “I talked with him this morning, and he asked about you. He wanted to know if you were still alive. He told me to tell you that.” The captain smiled.
“I bet you guys get a good laugh at my expense, don’t you?”
“It’s just that you’re so predictable, Mrs. Blackhawk.”
“Oh, I think you can call me, Jesse, Captain Waverly. If you’re going to make fun of me, we might as well be on a first name basis.”
“Okay,” he said. “And you can call me, Captain.”
“I usually do,” I said, walking away.
I chuckled to myself as I walked back over to the buffet table to be with my husband.
“I see you’ve made the rounds and you haven’t been locked up, yet.”
“The day is still young,” I replied. “Anything can happen. About that vacation. I really do need one.”
“I didn’t think you were serious.”
“That’s what you hoped. Nope. We’re going to take a vacation… and soon… and we’re not taking the children.”
“Taking the children where?” Helene asked, walking up. “I think I’d better head back to the house. I don’t like the idea of our children being watched by a babysitter.”
“The kids will be fine,” I insisted. “Joshlyn is quiet capable. She’s the daughter of one of Daisy Clark’s friends. You stay right here with us.”
Helene leaned over and whispered in my ear, “But isn’t she the one who was in that club, the one with all those snobby women who got killed off?”
I had to laugh out loud.
“You kill me, Helene!”
“I sure hope not!” she exclaimed.
Someone caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. An elderly man was standing off to the side by himself holding a soda in his hand. Our eyes locked. I excused myself and walked over to him.
“Hello. I’m Jesse Watson Blackhawk. You must be Mr. Crumpler. I saw you standing by your son at the service and it has just now dawned on me who you are. I’m glad you came. We’ve all been touched by this tragedy in one way or another.”
“You are an insightful woman, Mrs. Blackhawk.”
I chuckled and said, “You can call me, Jesse.”
“I owe you a debt of gratitude—you and your husband. I understand you’re the ones who caught that criminal who killed my daughter. Thank you so very, very much.”
“Actually, Jonathan was the one who found out where the guy was. He’s a bounty hunter, you know.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Jesse.”
“I give myself plenty of credit, Mr. Crumpler, when I deserve it. I’m just glad the guy was caught before he had a chance to kill anyone else.”
“Sheriff Hudson said he was going after my son next.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Be sure to drop by my market sometime. I have fresh vegetables and good beef… and I’d like to meet your children.”
“I’ve stopped at your market a few times.”
“I remember. There’s not much I miss these days.”
“I bet there isn’t.”
Mom walked up and said, “I see that you’ve met my daughter, Mr. Crumpler. She’s a handful. I can tell you that.”
“Did my mother tell you that she’s getting married soon?”
“No, she didn’t. Congrat
ulations.”
“She didn’t tell me, either.”
He smiled and said, “I think I’ll go get something to eat. It sounds as if you two have a lot to talk about.” He shook my hand, tipped his head at my mother, and then walked away.
“You ran the poor guy off,” Mom fussed. “He’s such a nice man. It’s a shame about his daughter. If that happened to one of my kids, I’d go crazy.”
“Who’s going crazy?” Sarah asked.
“I am,” I replied.
The celebration wound down to a close, and Billy and I headed home after saying our good-byes. I was worn out. From the look on Billy’s face, I could tell that he was, too.
Daisy and Gabe Clark followed us home to pick up Joshlyn.
We thanked her for babysitting, and Billy gave her a very generous tip along with her pay.
“Anytime you need me, Mrs. Blackhawk, all you have to do is call. I have my own car, but since Mr. and Mrs. Clark were coming, they gave me a ride. I’m available at a moment’s notice.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because everything we do is at a moment’s notice.”
They waved as the three of them left. Helene passed them on their way out.
“I hope that we won’t need her services for a while,” she said as she closed the door behind her.
Billy and I looked at each other and smiled.
“If I didn’t know better, Helene, I’d think you were jealous.”
“I am new here.”
“But you’re family. No one’s going to take your place.”
“I knew that. I was just…”
I hugged her and said, “Let’s go have a look at the children. We want to make sure that she didn’t slap them around, or anything.”
Helene gasped.
“Don’t listen to her, Helene. She’s pulling your leg.”
“That Mr. Crumpler was right about you.”
“Oh, yeah? What did he say about me?”
“He said that I needed to keep an eye on you. And then he told me that he’s surprised you’re not in jail. It seems that the sheriff in Greene County has some strong words to say about you.”
“Sheriff Hudson loves me,” I said. “He has right from the start.”
