White had killed a man in a bar fight receiving twenty years for the crime. He lost his wife, his children. Everyone had turned their backs on him. He wasn’t about to stay in prison and let the same thing happen to him. People soon forgot the incarcerated. Even during his short stay, he had seen how quickly loved ones disregarded husbands, lovers, and even sons. That wasn’t happening to him.
****
Lacy fumbled to answer the phone on the bedside table. It fell to the floor and she dropped to her hands and knees to find it in the darkness.
“What time is it?” Dylan answered his own question when he squinted at the lighted dial on the alarm clock by the bed. “It’s three in the morning. Who the hell is calling at this hour?”
Patting the floor, she hurried to find the phone before it went to voicemail. Too late, it stopped ringing. She finally found the phone under the bed. She sat on her bottom and looked at the lit up screen. No one had left a message so she hit redial. It was Green Village, Billy’s nursing home. Pain gripped her stomach. Something was wrong with Billy.
Beverly answered the phone. As if she knew it was Lacy returning her call, she explained, “Sorry, Lacy, but Billy has taken a turn for the worst. The doctor doesn’t think he’ll make it through the night.”
“I’m leaving now.” Lacy quickly pushed off the floor and flipped on the lamp.
Dylan threw his arm over his face to shield his eyes against the glare of the light. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Billy. His doctor doesn’t think he’ll last much longer.” She rushed into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Instead of brushing her hair, she pulled it into a ponytail. If she wanted to see Billy before he died, she had to hurry.
By the time she returned to their bedroom, Dylan was already dressed in jeans and tee-shirt. “I’ll drive you.”
“Thank you, Dylan.” Her hands trembled when she slipped into a pair of jeans. It took several tries before she was able to button the top. Opening the closet, she grabbed a shirt and a pair of sandals.
Dylan grabbed the keys from the dish in the foyer. He opened the door and Lacy trotted to the door. She swung around and announced, “I need to leave a note for Michelle.”
“I’ll write her a note. You wait for me in the car.” He handed her the keys to his Mustang.
While she waited in the car, she gripped her hands together. Of course she knew this day would come, but it did little to ease the pain. She considered Billy family. The bond had grown stronger over the last few months and she would miss him.
Lacy could see Beverly through the full length glass door of Green Village. She opened the door and stepped back for them to enter. “I hate I had to call you at such a ridiculous hour, but Billy is asking for you.”
“I would have been angry if you hadn’t called.”
By the time she stood on the other side of Billy’s door, her heart was beating so fast she thought it would explode. She took several deep breaths to calm down her racing heart and opened the door.
Dr. Eastman stood by the bed. There were rings under his eyes and his gray hair was a mess. Nearing retirement age, the late nights took their toll on him. Not only did he have a private practice, but he also gave medical attention to the elderly patients at Green Village. If he didn’t slow down, he would find himself a resident of the nursing home.
He patted Billy’s shoulder before he leaned back to stretch out his back. “Lacy is here now. Everything will be okay.” He crossed the room and stopped in front of Lacy and Dylan. Placing his hand on her arm, he whispered, “I’ve made him as comfortable as possible. It won’t be much longer.”
Lacy nodded her head in understanding and Dr. Eastman left the room. Dylan took her hand and together they walked to the bed. She sat on the side of the bed, took Billy’s cold hand. His face was extremely pale and his breathing labored. A hint of a smile on his lips, he squeezed her hand with what little strength he had left. He whispered, “I love you, Lacy.”
Lacy fell on his chest and began to cry. “I love you. You have no idea what your friendship has meant to me.” Hilda had brought them together. It was hard to believe that a young girl that lived over a hundred years ago led them to find each other. If not for Hilda, Billy would have died alone.
“Stop crying. I’ve led a full life.” She sat up and peered into his dull eyes. She could see his life slipping away minute by minute.
“Can I get you anything?”
“Are you asking if I have a dying wish?”
“I don’t want you to die.”
“Now, now, Princess. No one can stop the inevitable. We all die.” He looked beyond Lacy. “Dylan, take good care of my Princess.”
“I will.” Dylan placed his hand on Lacy’s shoulder and squeezed. She leaned her cheek against his hand. “I swear on my life, I’ll always keep her safe.”
“Life is short. Enjoy every minute.” His eyes closed and he fell asleep.
“He is so tired. Do you think he is pain?”
“I don’t think so. His face looks peaceful.”
She touched the tips of her fingers to his pale cheek. “He does look at peace.”
Lacy opened the Grapes of Wrath by the bed. She opened to the marked page with the old, worn bookmark and began to read. She finished the last page and closed the book. It was as depressing as the realization Billy was dying. In that moment she wished Billy would have requested another novel to read. She would rather have read a novel with a happy ending, something memorable, but uplifting. But then it had been Billy’s favorite movie. He had wanted to see the difference between the movie and the novel.
Billy opened his eyes. “You have a beautiful voice. It is as if an angel is reading to me.”
Surprised he had heard her, she whispered, “Thank you.”
“Will you please read from the Bible?”
Lacy turned to Psalm 23. It had always given her comfort in times of worry. It was a struggle to get through the words without crying but she managed to do so. She read the last verse and peered down at Billy. “Would you like me to read another Psalm?”
Dylan placed his hand on her shoulder. “His breathing is ragged, Lacy. I don’t think he can hear you.”
An hour passed before Billy’s heart stopped beating. Lacy’s head rested on his chest and she heard as it became weaker and weaker. She was with him when he gave his last breath.
“He had so much pain in his life. Can you imagine losing a child?”
“No, I can’t.”
“He is with his son in heaven.” Lacy wiped at the tears flowing over her cheeks. “He is with his whole family.” She didn’t say it out loud but her thoughts were on Hilda.
Dylan didn’t say anything. She often wondered if he believed in God. After the life he led as a child, it would be difficult to believe. Several times she had invited him to church, but he always declined.
“Where are you going to spread his ashes?”
“At the waterfall.” Lacy had tried to convince Billy to have a traditional funeral and burial, but he refused. He insisted she have his remains cremated and spread his ashes at the waterfall. She would honor those wishes. The one and only time she took him to the waterfall, he had fallen in love with the beauty and peace.
Dr. Eastman entered. “What time did he die?”
“Five thirty-five.”
“Is there any other relatives that need to be notified?”
“No, we are all the family he had left.” How depressing that all his family had perished. In that moment she knew how lucky she was. She had a huge family who supported and loved her. Better than that, she had a man she wanted to spend to rest of her life with. Never in her life would she be alone.
Chapter Eleven
It took two trucks to carry the mourners to the waterfall. Lacy sat up front with Grant and Nina, holding tight to the gold urn containing Billy’s ashes. They jostled over the bumpy road filled with potholes and washed out ditches. At least she rode in the comfortable new Ford, while
Josh, Beth, and Grace followed in the old blue Ford that had once belonged to their father. The shocks had long since worn out and it dipped and dived making the ride very uncomfortable.
From her lowered window, she could hear the roar of the waterfall in the distance. It was the first time she had been back since they retrieved Hilda and Darrell’s remains from the small cave by the waterfall two months ago.
As it came into view, the memory of almost dying there slipped into her mind. But she didn’t die. She survived and for that she was thankful. She put the horrors of Chad Grey almost murdering her out of her mind. She would not let him ruin the beautiful day. She focused on all the wonderful times she had spent at the waterfall. Memories of the day she and Dylan made love on the bank of the river caused her to smile. It was her best memory of the waterfall.
The water cascaded thirty-five feet over the top and pooled at the bottom. Colorful butterflies and dragonflies flittered and skimmed over the water. It was a glorious sight. She had promised herself she’d visit more often, but she was just too busy. Maybe she’d take a day and snap some pictures with her camera Josh gave her for her birthday. It was the perfect landscape. Water was emotional and spiritual.
Grant stopped the truck at the edge of the pool of water and everyone piled out. Dylan bolted off the back and wrapped his hands around Maria’s tiny waist and lifted her from the back of the truck. Michelle didn’t wait for him to help her. She jumped off the back of the tailgate, and waited for Juan and Richard.
Josh, Beth, and Grace joined them. “We need to work on that road.” Josh rubbed the back of his neck. “I think I have whiplash.”
“The farm is keeping me busy. This winter I’ll put the road on the top of my to-do-list.” There was always something to do on the farm. Even during winter the work never ceased. Not only did the planting and harvesting keep Grant and Nina busy, the upkeep of the roads and buildings also put demands on their time.
Nina walked to the edge of the pool of water and peered up at the falls. She turned to the side and Lacy couldn’t help but to admire her sister. As she did often, she massaged her rounded stomach. The sun shone on her golden hair and her silhouette reminded her of an angel. Grant followed her to the pool of water and placed his huge hand on her baby bump. She raised her head and he leaned in and kissed her lips. Lacy wished she had brought her camera so she could have taken a picture of them in a loving embrace. They adored each other and it would be the perfect picture to share with their child someday.
Dylan took the urn from Lacy’s hands bringing her back to reality. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, I guess I am.” Everyone gathered around the edge of the river.
Dylan replied. “Billy Graves was a fine man.” He peered at Lacy. “I’m glad you had him in your life.”
“Thank you, Dylan.” She unscrewed the lid on the urn. “I would like to say a little prayer.” Everyone became quiet and moved closer to the pool of water.
Dear God,
Thank you for bringing Billy into my life. He was a devoted friend and I’ll never forget him. He brought me joy and happiness. Billy came into my life when I was in a dark place and he brought me light. His pain and agony are gone and he is home with you God. He will be sorely missed. Amen
Everyone present repeated, “Amen.” Lacy tipped the urn and shook out Billy’s ashes. It looked like a dark, gray cloud as they floated on the breeze. She watched until all evidence of Billy Graves disappeared into the air and water, gone in an instant. Even though she knew the grief process was just beginning, she still felt a sense of peace. As Billy had said, he lived a full life. Maybe he hadn’t always been happy, but for the most part she felt he had lived a good life.
Dylan tucked his arm into hers. She leaned on his shoulder and fought the tears. She was so tired of crying and grief. She looked at the positives in her life. She had a great supportive family, dear devoted friends, and a boyfriend she desperately loved. She had so many things to count as blessings.
Lacy slipped off her shoes and submerged her feet in the cool water. It was a hot July day and the water was soothing. The other five women followed suit and they sat there without speaking. The men wondered off to the shade to escape the sweltering sun. Five minutes passed before Lacy replied, “I wish I would have brought my bathing suit. I would love to go for a swim.”
“The temperature is perfect.” Michelle lifted her feet out of the water and wiggled her toes. “Let’s come back another day and swim, Lacy. We’ll bring a picnic. I’m sure it will be better than our last picnic.”
Lacy giggled. “I hope so. The last picnic was almost a killer.” She cupped her hand in the water and splashed it all over Michelle. Water dripping from her face, Michelle waded shin-deep out into the pool of water. She kicked water drenching Lacy and Beth. Lacy ran out and grabbed Michelle dunking her. She came up sputtering. Both rolled around in the pool of water laughing and screaming. It felt great to play. It had been a long time she had let loose and had fun. Holding hands, they returned to the bank and plopped onto the green grass so they could dry. Michelle squeezed the water out of her hair.
Juan cackled, “You two are crazy!”
Grant shouted from the shade of the huge oak, “Let’s go home and eat lunch.”
‘Food,’ thought Lacy. It was a big part of their life. It seemed to be the only time they were all together in one place was when they gathered together for a family meal, or a funeral. Last month it was Hilda and Darrell’s funeral.
Her stomach growled and she remembered she hadn’t eaten breakfast. She was hungry. That was a good sign. After Billy’s death, she hadn’t had much of an appetite. Her mouth watered as she thought of the feast waiting for them at the house.
An odd feeling came over Lacy. Unbearable heat penetrated her body and her stomach rolled. Eyes on the water, Lacy watched as it turned to blood. Shadows seemed to deepen and move across the ripples in the water. She felt faint. Could it be Hilda? She thought she had passed over. Something was certainly happening.
Nina placed her hand on Lacy’s shoulder. “Is something wrong?”
“No I’m fine.” She forced a smile on her face and took Nina’s hand. “I was just thinking about Billy. She turned and headed toward the truck. With a quick look over her shoulder, she glanced at the water, but the blood was gone. The water was crystal clear. Maybe it was just a trick of her mind. She had been under a lot of stress, not to mention the fact she had just spread the ashes of one of her dear friends in the same spot.
****
Still holding the urn, Lacy started across the yard to the house, Dylan at her side. “What did you see at the falls?”
She debated whether to tell him about the vision. He had been very attentive since Billy’s death. The past two days he had not left her alone. He didn’t need another reason to worry about her. “I know something happened. I saw the look of horror on your face. Remember, Lacy, no secrets.” She chewed on her fingernail. Dylan tugged her hand away from her mouth and held her hand. A serious look on his face, he ordered, “Tell me.”
With noticeable awkwardness, she replied, “I saw blood in the water at the falls. It was like some kind of illusion or something. I felt hot and scared like I felt the first time I saw Hilda.”
“Maybe it was Hilda. Maybe she is trying to tell you something.” He gripped her hands tighter. “What if it was a warning?”
She was numb. She didn’t want to take the vision that serious. Obviously, he felt it was something serious. “That’s an interesting theory.”
“Can you think of a better one?”
“Stress, it could be stress.” Her explanation sounded better than his. She rejected the idea of the blood at the falls being anymore than a figment of her imagination. “Let’s talk about it later. We’ll revisit this discussion tonight when we get home.” Nina placed her hand on her empty stomach. “I’m hungry.”
He took the urn from her arms. “I’ll put this in the car.”
“
Thank you.” Of course he didn’t want her looking at the urn and being reminded of Billy’s passing. Even though his death was expected, she was still depressed over his passing.
Lacy opened the back door and stepped into the kitchen. Succulent smells assaulted her senses. As always it was a busy place. Grace and Maria were placing bowls of vegetables on the long table. Beth was cutting the pot roast into slices and Nina was busy filling the glasses with ice for the sweet tea. Juan and Michelle sat at the table with their heads together whispering. She wondered what secrets they were sharing. When Michelle was with Juan, she seemed to be younger and lighter of heart. But then Juan had that effect on people. He had an open, innocent personality.
Lacy loved their kitchen. It was where they gathered to socialize and enjoy a great meal. So many fond memories were etched in her mind of her family together. Pleasant recollections of the past when her parents were living, and many now with new family caused her to smile.
Lacy opened the cabinet and took out the bright yellow plates. She placed them on the end of the table. Opening the silverware drawer, she gathered a handful of forks and knives.
Nina wrapped her arms around Lacy. Sympathy in her voice she whispered, “It was a lovely service.” She touched the tips of her fingers to Lacy’s cheek. “Billy would be proud.”
Nina reached out and took Beth’s hand. “I need to talk to you two in private.” Curious, Lacy and Beth let Nina lead them to their father’s office shutting the door behind them.
It had been months since Lacy had been in her father’s office. The huge desk, the focal point of the room, brought back so many memories of her father. She used to play on the floor while he worked on the ledgers of the everyday operation of Twelve Oakes. His many law degrees and accomplishments still adorned the walls. On one wall was a huge painting of him perched on the back of Midnight, a Christmas gift from their mother.
Nina had left his office as it was before her parents’ deaths. It was a man’s room, very masculine because their father refused to let their mother decorate his domain. He swore one room was off limits to her feminine style and charm. So much of her father was still present.
Blood of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 4) Page 14
