Paula brought tea and coffee on a tray and said she had something on the stove and disappeared.
“I’m not exactly sure of her motives, but what I can tell you is, there may be a fight over the inheritance since the will was changed so recently. I’m not concerned about the house. No judge in this state would overturn Michael Logan’s will. The house is yours and the trusts attached to it. I’m also not concerned with the small ranch home you own or Daniel’s Jeep, but if it comes to light you rent a safe deposit box, a battle could begin. Other assets may be in jeopardy.”
“The bonds.”
“Yes,” Mr. Townsend continued, “I don’t believe for a minute they should be able to get even a portion of the contents, especially since you opened the box account first and Daniel filled out his paperwork a couple of days later. If things did go wrong, and a judge decided the contents are shared property, my main concern would be the bonds. I truly believe Michael would want you to have all of them. What I propose is we go to the bank right now and remove them. I’ll take care of them the way I did the two last week and when the check comes back in your name, it will be yours. I’ll send you to my financial advisor and bank in Oaklin away from prying eyes and you’ll be fine.”
“Is this legal?”
“Yes, until a will states otherwise or someone has a judge issue an order to freeze the assets pending a court hearing, all the assets are yours to do with whatever way you please and since the bonds are bearer bonds and in your custody, no one can argue.”
* * *
“Mom, I have to go with Mr. Townsend for a while, legal stuff, don’t tell anyone where I am. I’ll be home soon.”
“Annamarie, I’m worried about you.”
“Are you ill, Annamarie?” inquired Mr. Townsend.
“No, just pregnant.”
“Even better, no judge would deny a pregnant widow. Oh, I am sorry for how that sounded. I’m trying to help you, my dear.”
“I understand.” Annamarie kissed her mom and told her, “I won’t leave Mr. Townsend’s side until I get home.”
Her mom tried to smile, but was confused when she watched her daughter and her lawyer leave in his big black sedan.
While they drove to the bank, Annamarie thought of her dream and Magdalena telling her what had been found would be hidden again in a different form. Could it be the bonds? They had been hidden and Annamarie found them. Now she was about to hide them again in the form of a check and then bank accounts in an Oaklin bank. The dream should have made her uneasy, but she felt safe.
When they arrived at the bank, the young receptionist greeted them both by name. She led them into the vault and took out Annamarie’s and Daniel’s safe deposit box. Annamarie opened it and handed the manila envelope to Mr. Townsend, who promptly placed it in his briefcase. He dropped a white legal envelope from his firm into the box. The envelope had Daniel’s name written on the outside.
“May I ask what that is?”
“It’s a copy of Daniel’s latest will in case someone does gain access to the box. Do you have enough funds to see you through right now?”
“Yes, I have a paycheck coming at the end of the week. Daniel and I have our regular savings and the savings book we opened with the check from the bonds. I mean we did open them, but I guess I own them now. This can be so confusing.”
“If you have the savings book with you, I would take out some money now. Take more than enough to see you through the month and longer, in case you don’t go back to work soon. You never know what Maureen may try and do.”
“I have it, I put all my papers in my purse last night, and they’re still there.”
“Excellent.” He waved to the receptionist.
She walked into the vault and secured the box back into the wall. Mr. Townsend told Annamarie he would wait for her by the door while she did her banking and then they’d go back to his office to conclude their transaction.
Annamarie filled out the withdrawal slip and wondered how much she might need. She tripled the amount, rounded it off to the next highest hundred, and wrote the number down. The clerk didn’t hesitate to give her the money. She counted it out, put it in an envelope, and returned her savings book to her. She thanked the young woman and walked over to Mr. Townsend.
“I have to finish the paperwork for the transaction before the bonded courier arrives. I don’t trust anyone with this job. Why don’t you call your mom while we wait? I’m sure she’s worried about you.”
Annamarie spoke to her mom briefly and Mr. Townsend finished the paperwork. He placed everything in a sealed envelope with a typed address on the front. He gave Annamarie a receipt for the contents of the envelope, and said he also would get one from the courier. The contents were insured. He told Annamarie the last transaction took a couple of days, but this was a large transaction and might take a bit longer. The power company involved might want to do more checking, but the bonds were secure. Either way, by this time next week, she would have a check for two hundred and thirty thousand dollars in her hands.
The courier arrived, both he and Mr. Townsend signed some forms, and the courier left. It was the beginning of Annamarie’s carefree future. Mr. Townsend drove her home and told her to beware of things Maureen said or asked. If she did or said anything to upset her, Annamarie was to call him right away.
“You still have my home number, don’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
Sheriff Richardson was sitting at his desk, waiting for a call from Dr. Webster. He knew the doctor liked to be thorough and with his advanced age, investigations moved slowly. Perhaps his young assistant would help push them along. The sheriff knew the man who died alongside Daniel Logan had been identified as a small time criminal named Mark Brunes. The sheriff didn’t care who he was, he wanted to be sure this was the end of the illegal activity in his small town.
The Frants had put their son’s mechanics shop up for sale. The State Patrol believed anyone associated with Brunes had moved on to avoid prosecution. Garret Frant had three part-time employees. They had left town overnight. Perhaps someone would buy the mechanics shop, but no one had moved into town since the Postmaster, seven years ago.
The phone rang. It was Dr. Webster.
“Both men died from a fall, no gunshot or stab wounds. Daniel Logan suffered a broken leg, three broken ribs, a broken back vertebrae and a fatal head injury. Mr. Brunes suffered more injuries due to his age, forty-one. He had two broken back vertebrae, a broken neck, four broken ribs, and also a fatal head injury. The head injuries occurred when their heads came into contact with the rocks at the bottom of the bluff. Both suffered severe brain trauma and died instantly.”
“Thank you for calling me so quickly with your report, doctor.”
“I still believe they fell either at the same time or one fell first and the second slipped or passed out from the fight and fell shortly after. Both bodies are severely bruised and I’m unable to tell whether they were caused by the fall, a fist, or other blunt object. I place the deaths between seven and eleven o’clock p.m. If it’s all right with you, I’ll mail the reports since there is nothing suspicious about this case. The families can have the bodies released to funeral homes whenever they wish.”
“I’ll contact the Logans, but the State Police will have to find Brunes’ family.”
The sheriff preferred that Dr. Webster mail the reports since the doctor had been in his town too many times lately.
“Mailing the reports will be fine, doctor. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“My pleasure, sheriff. Have a good night.”
“You, too.”
He was happy finally to have an open and shut case. Now he needed to call Annamarie and then George with the news.
* * *
No matter how George tried to explain to Maureen that the man responsible for Daniel’s death was also dead, Maureen wanted revenge.
“I’m glad Garret Frant is dead since he worked with
that madman.”
“Maureen, he also has a family. They must be devastated.”
“If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll run the Frants out of town.” She crossed her arms and paced, clearly showing her anger.
Mrs. Frant was head nurse at the hospital and Mr. Frant a businessman in Oaklin. They could move out of town and the sooner the better. Maureen would see to it.
George worried that his wife was capable of carrying out her threats. If she involved her card, garden, and book club, there would be no hope for the Frants who were also in the midst of grief.
He went into his office to call Walker’s Funeral Home and left his wife to fume on her own. Walker’s would pick up Daniel immediately and yes, they could have him ready for a viewing on Friday evening. George had enough of funerals, too and asked to speak directly with the owner. Mr. Walker answered the phone and after initial condolences and inquiries about the family, Mr. Walker assured George there’d be no problem planning with him over the phone. Since the services would be in Timmus Woods, there were few details George needed to discuss with Mr. Walker. They decided on a top-of-the-line mahogany casket with brass handles. George’s mind trailed off while Mr. Walker discussed satin linings. George told Mr. Walker to do whatever was the absolute best for his son--money was no object. Mr. Walker told him they would take excellent care of Daniel.
His next call was to Father Mueller to set times for the Friday evening visitation and the Mass on Saturday morning.
“Pick times you think will work best for the family. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Then George called the newspaper and placed Daniel’s obituary. Everyone in town knew about Daniel and the service would be at St. Therese, but he needed to be sure his son had a proper obituary and didn’t want to leave it up to Walker’s to place it for him. After all, no one knew Daniel better than he did. He also needed to pick a cemetery plot and for the location, he needed Annamarie’s input.
* * *
While George was making his calls, the sheriff spoke to Annamarie and told her what the coroner reported.
“It’s over, Annamarie, the man who killed Ben is paying for his crime, and the man who’s responsible for Daniel’s death is gone. Garret has paid with his life even if it was an accident. Our town can soon get back to normal. I know this is hard for you, but you can sleep feeling safe now. If you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thank you for everything, sheriff, if I need something, I’ll call.”
“Annamarie, I’m sorry I treated you the way I did. I truly thought it was the only way for Daniel to cooperate. I never expected it to end this way.”
“We all do things we regret at times.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Annamarie thought, like hell I understand, you threw me in a jail cell on a whim, hoping it would make Daniel talk. I went through more for Daniel than anyone should. You’re as bad as Daniel. Wait until election time and I’ll help George every way I can. I’m a Logan and I don’t want you to protect my town.
Annamarie decided she would try to forget what the sheriff did until she needed to use it against him.
The phone rang again. It was George. He explained everything he and Mr. Walker spoke about and Annamarie thanked him for taking care of the details.
“There is one detail I need to ask you about. I need to know where you think we should bury Daniel. You should pick the spot.”
Annamarie didn’t hesitate.
“The cemetery is right next to a grove of oak trees. Can you see if they will bury Daniel far away from the trees? Out in the sunshine and away from the shade of the trees. They held spirits in Daniel’s mind.”
“Exactly what I was thinking, Annamarie. I think we covered all the details.”
Ending their conversation, Annamarie was relieved the details were set and she could relax until the next evening.
* * *
Annamarie told her mom about the sheriff’s call and the information about Daniel. She thought she could get through the explanation without crying, but she couldn’t. Her mom did the best she could to calm her down and Annamarie finally regained her composure.
“There’s still so much to do. I want to order my own flowers for Daniel. I don’t want Walker’s to make suggestions.”
“Of course you do. Can I help?”
“Can we call and order flowers?”
“Yes, and I’ll go in and pay for them later.”
“I have money, Mom. I can pay for them.”
“Let’s call now, then it’ll be done and we’ll have a good chance of getting everything we want.”
Paula phoned the local flower shop and told the florist she would be ordering two funeral arrangements for the Daniel Logan funeral. Paula and the florist spoke back and forth and Paula settled on a large, but tasteful arrangement of mostly white and soft colored flowers.
Annamarie asked for the phone to place her own order.
“Can you please use the largest white basket you have and fill it full with the most colorful flowers? I prefer the colors be bright. Please add some lilies, if you can get them.”
“Would you like a sentiment on the card?” asked the florist.
“Your loving wife always, Annamarie.”
She hung up the phone and looked at her mom. “Grandpa would be happy there are some lilies for Daniel. George and Maureen might forget.”
“It’s sweet you’re remembering Daniel’s Grandpa at a time like this.”
“I’m trying to feel my way through this and not think because thinking’s too hard.”
* * *
Annamarie fell asleep on the couch again. She woke when she heard her mom and dad talking. Getting up, she stated she couldn’t remember ever being so tired.
Her mom hugged her and whispered, “Stress and hormones will get you every time.”
Annamarie smiled.
“You must have slept hard because you didn’t hear me slip out to go to the florist and pay for their arrangements.”
“I told you I have the money.”
“And I have a copy of the bill, you can pay me back.”
Annamarie giggled for a moment and then burst into tears.
“Hormones,” Paula whispered to her and looking at her husband she mumbled, “stress.”
Paula hoped Annamarie would tell everyone soon. Annamarie didn’t want to be fussed over and thought she would tell the family at the funeral luncheon, if Dr. Norse gave her the news by then. It’d be three days soon and he told her it would take approximately three days to get the answer. The next day was Friday and three days would be Saturday morning. Time was dragging for Annamarie. She dreaded having to go to the funeral, but this was one more thing in her life she had to face.
Two months ago, she was so happy and excited about a wedding. She thought the world was a perfect place. She learned quickly how time can change things, and how dark life can become. She vowed to bring back the sunshine for her and the baby.
Annamarie smelled spaghetti sauce and meatballs. It was one of her favorite meals and, for a change, she was famished.
They enjoyed a nice supper and cleaned the kitchen together. Annamarie’s mom had ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream for dessert. The three played cards until Theo mentioned it was time for him to get some sleep.
After Theo went to bed, Annamarie asked her mom if they could talk.
“Of course, dear.”
They sat in the living room and Annamarie poured out her fears.
“I’m not afraid to stay alone in the big house. I know I have to live there in order to keep it. What worries me is there are so many things needed to be done and I’m alone.”
“If you’re pregnant and working, perhaps Elaine might consider being a live-in housekeeper during the week. On weekends, you could come home and stay here. Elaine could have weekends off.”
“That’s a good idea even if I’m not pregnant. Having Elaine around for a while will help until I�
��m over the worst of my grief, if grief ever ends.”
“You’ll always feel some grief, but the overbearing sadness ripping at your heart will slowly pass. The baby will help you.”
Annamarie was surprised that her mom sounded positive about her being pregnant. Someone to love and a bit of Daniel to hold onto might help her grieving process. It would also make it harder because her hormones were out of whack and being a mom alone isn’t easy.
Annamarie also voiced her worries about George and Maureen, but mostly Maureen. She told her mom that Grandpa Logan’s will assured she would always have a home at Logan’s Love, but she was afraid Maureen would cause her all sorts of trouble.
“If she leaves me, the baby, our house, and my car alone, I think I can handle it.”
Annamarie’s candy apple red 1957 Chevy Bel-Air had been a gift from Daniel, and she loved her car almost more than she loved Daniel.
“If the house is safe, I doubt she wants the car, but she’ll want a lot of access to her grandchild.”
“I want my child to be around happy people and not grumpy old Maureen.”
“If things get out of hand, Mr. Townsend will help you, but you’re worrying about things that are months down the road. You should concentrate on now.”
Annamarie agreed and decided she needed to sleep.
* * *
Annamarie heard the birds singing and buried her head into the pillow, thinking it was too early to get up. She drifted back to sleep.
A campfire was burning in the middle of the meadow behind the big house. Magdalena danced around and around the fire. Her long hair was flowing freely when she danced. Annamarie stood and watched and then began to dance along with Magdalena. When the music stopped, Magdalena was standing right next to Annamarie. She touched Annamarie’s cheek again and told her not to be afraid because no one would ever hurt her or the child. She repeated the promise. She wanted her to remember. This time Annamarie heard tiny hands clap in the distance and a small girl with dark flowing hair and green eyes was jumping up and down saying, “You dance pretty, mommy.”
* * *
Annamarie woke wondering if she had seen her own child or if she was having a wishful dream. Either way she felt happier than she should on the day of her husband’s visitation.
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 3
