Shadow of Death

by Patricia Gussin

  “Yes, and I can never thank you enough,” she responded after a momentary pause. “You did so much for me.”

  “I’ll always feel responsible for your injury, Laura. I’m only grateful that you and the babies are okay.”

  “What happened to me wasn’t in any way your fault,” she interrupted. “I just happened to be in the wrong place at the same time that crazy guy decided to go berserk. Now you’re making me feel guilty because you’re feeling guilty.”

  “Okay.” David was grinning broadly. “Let’s call a truce. No guilt on either side. Now, how about taking a good look at this menu?”

  The waiter unobtrusively topped off their wine glasses. Laura raised hers, flashing David a big smile. “Sounds good,” she agreed.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  The wine, the candlelight, the fabulous menu and the charm of her dinner companion conspired to create a festive mood. Laura ordered a shrimp cocktail appetizer and filet mignon as a main course. David started with smoked salmon with caviar followed by the rack of lamb, medium rare. The pair settled back after selecting the Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert.

  “Tell me about the children,” David asked as soon as all culinary decisions were made. “The twins must be pushing toward the ‘terrible twos’ by now.”

  She nodded. “They are. Natalie, older by a few minutes, and Nicole.” Laura pulled out the pictures she kept in her wallet. “Here they are with Mikey and Kevin.” All four, blonde. Mikey with a capricious smile, Kevin with an angelic expression that obscured his mischievous nature, and Natalie and Nicole, identical toddlers with curls circling their dimpled faces.

  “Adorable. How can you tell them apart?” David asked the inevitable question.

  “Most people can’t, but I have no problem. Their personalities are very different. You can almost tell by their pictures. See the different smiles? Nicole, the aggressive one, wants everything her way. Natalie’s as sweet as can be.”

  “How are the boys handling little sisters?”

  “Great. Mikey’s ultra-protective and Kevin, who’s only a year older than the twins, loves to tease them and play little tricks.” Laura paused pensively and continued, “It’s only Steve that’s having a problem adjusting.”

  “Your husband?”

  “Afraid so.” Without the liberating effect of the wine, Laura would never have ventured this far. “I think it’s because they’re twins.”

  “Oh? What’s that about?”

  “Something happened when Steve was ten years old,” Laura hesitated, recalling her promise to Steve, her promise to tell no one about the tragedy that shattered the Nelson family.

  “What does that have to do with your daughters?”

  After a few conflicted moments, Laura opened up. She relayed the story of Steve’s twin brother, Phillip, suggesting that Steve’s repressed guilt over his brother’s death accounted for his apathetic, even distant relationship with his own twin daughters.

  “He doesn’t mistreat them or anything. He just doesn’t want much to do with them. A relationship so distant compared to Mikey and Kevin. I’m afraid that it will affect their development.”

  “Do you think it could have anything to do with the other problem you told me about?” David gently explored. “What happened that night?”

  Laura paused reflectively. Their appetizers arrived, the waiters hovering until everything was satisfactory. David ordered another bottle of wine — this time a Merlot to accompany their main course.

  “David.” Laura still didn’t feel right calling him by his first name. “I don’t think so. You know it’s a funny thing. During my pregnancy, I was so haunted by the unknown. The father of my babies could just as well have been the man who raped me. But as soon as the babies were born and you told me everything was okay, I’ve tried to erase that incident from my memory. Having twins was just too overwhelming. What a complete shock, I mean, nobody expected two.”

  “Yes. And the babies were so fragile.”

  “They’re healthy little toddlers now, thank God,” Laura murmured. She stared at David boldly. “Do you realize that you are the only person on the face of the earth who knows about that night?”

  David stared back. “I wasn’t sure whether you’d ever told anyone else or not,” he responded slowly. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to really talk.”

  Laura nodded, her face flushed. “I’ve never told anyone but you. I know that I never thanked you enough. After the babies were born, I mentally tried to obliterate the whole experience. I was totally absorbed in dealing with the babies, the boys at home, and finishing that semester. The truth is, I hardly looked back, but it could have been so different.” Her voice trailed off.

  The waiter cleared away their dishes and replaced their glasses as he poured from the second bottle of wine.

  “I’ll never forget what you did for me,” Laura continued.

  David’s eyes shone. “In a way, those four days were the most important days of my life. I learned a lot about myself. I cherished those days.”

  Laura’s head whirled. Was Dr. Monroe telling her he really cared? About her? Is this what her friends had been trying to tell her? All those innuendoes about a special relationship, but she had laughed them off. Laura reached for the crystal wine glass but stopped midway, knowing she should pace herself.

  “Anyway, Laura, something’s been bothering me ever since you told me about that, uh, situation.” He hesitated. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to open old wounds, but I’m not sure when we’ll get a chance to really talk again.”

  “That’s okay, Doc … David.”

  He spoke softly, “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay, but remember when you said that there was more that you’d tell me at another time.”

  Laura hesitated. Should she tell David the whole story? She knew instinctively that she could trust him. It was so tempting to be able to share her worst nightmare with someone.

  Laura experienced a few more moments of hesitation before their entrees arrived with a flourish of silver domes. They were silent as the waiters completed their work with a slight bow and retreated.

  As they ate, Laura finally said, “David, I’m going to tell you something that will shock you. You must promise first never to repeat a word of it to anyone.”

  “Of course.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  And then Laura related everything that happened that night nearly two and a half years ago. David listened intently, interrupting only to clarify a point or to emphasize his support. As Laura concluded, her eyes brimmed with tears. David had moved from his chair across the table to sit beside her. He placed his arm protectively around her.

  “You were incredibly brave,” he reassured her. “Who knows what would have happened if you went to the police? What with the racial volatility and the political witch hunts. But to face this alone without even telling your husband? I just don’t understand.”

  “I didn’t tell Steve because I was scared that he’d make me quit school. And I was ashamed. I’d been raped. I killed a man. I was so mixed up.”

  David reached for Laura’s hand and leaned in closer. “Honey, you made the decision. A tough decision. Right or wrong, a decision you’ll have to live with. Are you absolutely sure that no one knows?”

  “Detective Reynolds, Susan Reynolds’s father, is still suspicious, I think.” Laura stopped speaking. David was holding her hand in his and he’d just called her “honey.” Holding her breath, she didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t believe she’d told him that she’d killed a man, and she couldn’t believe she was sitting so close to him.

  “Right, the detective. I’m aware that he’s tried to put the pieces together, but exactly what pieces, I really don’t know. He did question me about seeing you that night. I simply told him I did. Nothing else.”

  “Not about how horrible I must have looked?”

  “No, but, you did look so flus
tered. I did notice. I don’t know why, but I told them not to harass you at the school. I didn’t want you intimidated.”

  “I’m so grateful for that.” Laura inhaled sharply, realizing how close David had come to exposing her, however innocently.

  “He also questioned me again about your schedule at some point.”

  “He did?”

  “Yes, he and that other black detective.” David frowned. “Can’t remember his name. They came back after you were attacked in the emergency room. ‘Loose ends,’ they said. Nothing else.”

  Laura’s heart pounded. “Why would they do that?”

  “The detective, actually both of the detectives, now that I think of it — were there in the ER that night. Well, that’s all in the past, isn’t it? I’m sure Detective Reynolds has more pressing matters to deal with.”

  Laura took a deep breath, her heart still pounding. She chose not to tell David about the bullets in her tires in the school parking lot and the threatening note, though she certainly recalled the terror she felt then, and knew deep inside that the incident was connected to Johnny Diggs. What other explanation could there be?

  “Je regret, monsieur,” the headwaiter interrupted. “I am sorry to interrupt your dinner, but your taxi driver is outside. Would you like him to wait? The weather’s gotten worse, and cabs may be difficult to find later.”

  “Please ask him to wait. Better yet, could he wait inside at the bar? I’ll buy him coffee and the dessert of his choice.” David discreetly pressed a twenty-dollar bill into the hand of the headwaiter.

  “Certainly, monsieur.”

  David rose slowly. “I’ll be right back,” he said softly.

  “Thanks, buddy,” David met the cab driver in the foyer and slipped him a hundred dollar bill. “I really appreciate your returning for us. How about something to eat?” David pointed toward the trolley in the corner laden with tempting desserts.

  “Merci,” replied the cabby, gazing at the large bill. “No problem. You and your lady take all the time you want. Never thought I’d see the inside of a place like this.”

  David returned to the secluded corner table, where Laura sat with a worried expression.

  “I’m sorry to bother you with my problems,” she apologized.

  “I’ll always be there for you, Laura,” he said reassuringly. “I got to know you pretty well when you were in the hospital. There wasn’t much I could do for you but pray. I’m a lapsed Catholic, but I think God must’ve heard me.”

  “Steve and I are Catholic too. Otherwise I’d have taken birth control pills.”

  “Once in a while I drop into Old St. Mary’s over by the hospital. The Holy Ghost Fathers there make me feel welcome. Someday…. Ah, look, here comes the soufflé.”

  They watched as the waiters presented the flaming extravaganza, and the mood at the table immediately lightened. David seized the opportunity to move the discussion toward Laura’s plans and away from any more talk of Detective Reynolds. She responded readily, chatting about the electives that she’d like to take during her senior year and plans beyond med school.

  David couldn’t take his eyes off Laura as he listened to her long-range plans. She was asking his opinion of residency programs in Florida. She might do her postgraduate training there to be closer to her mom and dad.

  Twirling his wineglass between both hands, David wondered at that moment if she would also consider a residency program in California. And then for another moment, he allowed himself to wonder if there were any similarities at all between what Laura wanted and what he wanted.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  As they approached Laura’s hotel room, David reached for her key as she retrieved it from her purse. He opened the door, stepping away as he handed the key back to her. Laura turned slowly toward him, and he reached to place his hands on her shoulders. He held her like that for a very long moment. Then he leaned forward, gave her a brief hug, kissed her tenderly on the cheek.

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” he murmured. Then he turned and headed toward the bank of elevators.

  Laura walked into her room with reeling emotions. Dinner with David had electrified her in so many ways. She had even confided her darkest secrets to him. Hope and hopelessness clashed within her as she closed the door. Talking about the detective again had brought up that old terror. Would she ever be free from what happened that night?

  It wasn’t until she had hung up her coat and slipped off her shoes that she noticed the envelope that had been slipped under the door. She carried it over to the side of the bed and sat down to open it. Then she noticed the blinking red message light on the telephone on the bedside stand.

  Was it Steve? The detective? Pangs of guilt shot through her.

  She ripped open the envelope and read the note: ‘Laura, where are you? We’ve tried to find you everywhere in the hotel. We’re leaving at 9:00 p.m. to catch the last plane out of Montreal before they close the airport tonight. The hospital left word that the residents needed to be back for weekend coverage. Hope you’ll be there too. Tim and the guys.’

  Laura gasped. “Close the airport!” She rose quickly to flip on the television to an English station. It was 11:30 p.m., and the storm was the big news. Another six inches were expected overnight, more tomorrow. The airport was closed indefinitely; certainly through tomorrow.

  Picking up the telephone to retrieve her messages, Laura tried to remain calm. She just had to get home.

  “Three messages, Madame.”

  “Could you read them for me, please?” Laura asked the operator.

  “Certainly, Madame.” the charming French accent agreed.

  Two were from Tim, the third from Steve. It had come in at 11:05. Laura immediately dialed home. “Where the heck have you been?” he demanded. “I was at dinner,” Laura responded softly. “At eleven at night?”

  “The weather’s bad here, honey,” Laura reasoned. “It was hard getting taxis. Listen, we have a problem. I just found out that the airport here is closed. I don’t think I’ll be able to get out of here tomorrow. There’s almost three feet of snow.”

  “Oh, man, that’s not good,” Steve snapped. “I’ve gotta be at that damned conference tomorrow. I just found out I’m chairing that session I told you about, for God’s sake. That’s why I called. Good news for a change. I got it.”

  “Got what?”

  “I got promoted to supervisor.”

  “Oh honey, congratulations! I’m so sorry I’m not there to celebrate with you. Steve, you know I’ll do what I can here, but what if it’s physically impossible? How’s the weather in Detroit?”

  “Fine,” he grumbled. “Just try to get home. What’ll it look like if I screw up my first big responsibility?”

  “Of course I will,” she answered. “I’ll check the flights first thing in the morning. I’ll camp out at the airport if I have to.”

  “You never should have gone to Montreal,” he sputtered. “The connection was too tight.”

  “I’ll call you in the morning,” she said firmly. “We’ll just have to find a back-up baby-sitter.”

  She hung up the phone and sat unmoving on the bed. She’d check out of the hotel in the morning and try to get to the airport and wait for a flight to Detroit. At least she’d be right there to grab the first opportunity she could. She’d have to miss tomorrow morning’s sessions, but what else could she do?

  Things were no better in the morning. The snow was relentless, and the airport remained closed. Laura called Steve before leaving her room to check out. He was angry and resentful because he could not find a baby-sitter. He had even tried Carol from the old neighborhood, but she was out of town. If he did not find someone soon, he would have to miss most, if not all, of the conference. Laura suggested that he call their neighbors, maybe someone at work, or even Susan, if need be.

  “Mademoiselle, are you sure you want to check out?” The clerk at the checkout desk politely inquired. “The hotel’s full, and I have pe
ople waiting to check in. If you change your mind, you’ll never be able to get your room back. The other hotels are full too.”

  “That’s okay. I have to try to get home.”

  “But we’re in the middle of a blizzard,” the young clerk advised.

  Laura eventually made it to the airport after creeping along in one of the few cabs that had ventured out to combat the deep drifting snow. She’d agreed to pay more than twice the usual fare even though she barely had enough cash to cover it.

  The airport was jammed. People standing, sitting, lying down everywhere surrounded by piles of luggage. When she finally made it to the ticket counter, the haggard clerk confirmed that all flights were suspended for at least twenty-four hours. That meant the earliest she could leave would be Saturday morning, too late for Steve to make his meeting. This was awful news. Chairing a session at this important meeting would be good for Steve’s new position and his self-esteem.

  Hauling her luggage, Laura found her way to a drafty corner beside the Hertz rental office. She sat down on her suitcase and did what everybody else was doing. She waited.

  Three hours ticked by slowly. Laura kept busy by studying her notes on cardiovascular disease.

  Taking a rest from memorizing the classes of drugs used to treat cardiac arrhythmias with all their complicated indications, contraindications, and warnings, Laura decided to call Steve at work. Maybe he’d found a baby-sitting solution. If only her mother and sister were nearby, she thought sadly.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Steve Nelson looked up into the eyes of Lucy Jones.

  “Mr. Nelson, this is terrible. I know how important that conference is to you. The whole office has been talking about it, with you chairing the Post Riots session and all.” Lucy Jones commiserated with Steve over a cup of steaming coffee Friday morning. “Maybe I can help,” she offered tentatively.

  “Thanks, Lucy,” Steve flashed a smile of appreciation, “but you’ve got more than your share of family responsibilities. The last thing you should have to worry about is my wife’s travel schedule.”