Pasta Mortem

by Ellery Adams

  On the way, he looked at his phone. The battery was low, but he made two quick calls.

  “Milla?”

  “James! I tried to call you but the phone didn’t even ring.”

  “Where are you? Is Jane at the hospital? Is she all right? Has the baby come? Is Jackson with Eliot?”

  “Calm down, dear. Jackson stayed at your house with Eliot. Since his stroke, he won’t set foot in a hospital. I drove Jane to the hospital in my van. She’s in labor and delivery. Where are you?”

  Labor and delivery! “Does that mean she’s having the baby now?” James hollered.

  “No, dear, that’s the department where women go to have babies. But she doesn’t have much longer to go. What’s happened?”

  James couldn’t bring himself to tell her. “I’m on my way, okay? Please tell Jane that I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

  “Gonna take more like thirty minutes in this snow,” Ace said as they passed Elkton.

  “James,” Milla said, “Jane and I talked about it. If you’re not here in time, I’m going to be in the delivery room with her for support.”

  James turned his head to the passenger window so that Ace wouldn’t see the tears running down his face. “That’s a good idea,” he managed. “Thank you, Milla.”

  “When you get here, come straight to labor and delivery. I’ll tell the nurses to expect you.”

  “Tell Jane I love her,” James said and disconnected. He got control of his emotions and dialed Lucy.

  “Yes, James, I’m freezing and buried in paperwork. Are you coming in to give your statement?”

  “Lucy, I don’t have time to talk. My phone’s battery is low. Jane’s at the hospital. The baby’s coming. I was stranded, but I’m getting a ride. The Bronco is still on Route 33. I left a note in it. Can you be sure it won’t be towed?”

  “Yes,” Lucy said. “Don’t worry about it or about making your statement. Where are you now?”

  “Just past Elkton.”

  “Be safe and good luck,” Lucy said.

  The minutes crawled by, but James had to admit that Ace was an expert driver. As they came down from the mountainous area, the road had been plowed, and Ace picked up speed.

  All of a sudden, Lucy’s patrol car swung in front of them, her lights and siren blaring. Lucy held her hand out the window with the thumbs-up sign.

  “Dang,” Ace said. “We’re getting a police escort!”

  “Yes,” James said, gripping Jane’s present, every muscle in his body tense. “We sure are.”

  “We aren’t stopping at the ATM. I trust you,” Ace said.

  “Thank you,” James responded, vowing to make sure that, along with the money, Ace received a healthy gift certificate from Gillian for the Yuppie Puppy.

  With Lucy’s help, they made great time.

  When they pulled into the entrance circle, James didn’t even let the Chevy come to a complete stop before he was out the door and running inside. He dashed into the nearest elevator, then realized he’d forgotten what floor labor and delivery were on. Luckily, another visitor riding up was able to tell him.

  James hit the labor and delivery area at a run.

  “You must be James Henry,” an older nurse in pink scrubs said calmly.

  James nodded, barely able to catch his breath. He spotted Milla, already wearing scrubs. She smiled and said, “You go, James. I’ll wait by the nursery.”

  “Snap to it, Mr. Henry. Put these on over your clothes.” The nurse handed him a pair of blue scrubs and supervised him while he washed his hands.

  The next fifteen minutes went by as if they were only two seconds.

  Jane, crying at the sight of him. James cradling his wife’s head with one hand, his other hand holding hers tightly as he begged her forgiveness for being late. The doctor saying, “The baby’s head is crowning!” Jane’s groan ending on a scream, then the sweetest sound James had ever heard in his life: his daughter’s first cry.

  The doctor placed the baby on Jane’s chest. James and Jane smiled at one another through their tears. James kissed his wife, then looked at his tiny, perfect little girl with her adorable dark wisps of hair. He’d never seen anything so beautiful in his entire life.

  When the nurses took the baby away to be washed and evaluated, James said, “Jane, can I get you anything, honey?”

  Jane said, “I would really, really like some ice cream.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  James walked out of labor and delivery in a daze. He knew there was a great big goofy smile on his face but it didn’t seem to matter.

  “James!” Milla called.

  James looked around and found himself outside the nursery, where babies slept with the cutest little woven caps on their heads. James wondered if his little girl would get one.

  “James, dear,” Milla said and then laughed. “Is everything all right?”

  “Milla! Oh, yes, Milla, everything is wonderful.” James caught her up in a hug. “I’m going to get some ice cream for Jane.”

  “Do you want me to get it?”

  “No, no, I’m going to do it. Why don’t you go see my daughter?”

  “I will,” Milla said and chuckled. “The Mountain Overlook Café is on the first floor. They’ll have some ice cream. I’ve been having a ball watching these babies.”

  “Excuse me,” a male voice said.

  James saw a blond-haired man in a James Madison University sweatshirt and jeans. “Yes?”

  The man held out his hand. “I’m Peter Hathaway. My wife, Denise, was in Jane’s Lamaze class. I guess Jane had her baby early.”

  “Right,” James said proudly, shaking Peter’s hand. “A healthy girl. You and Denise had twins, didn’t you?”

  Peter beamed. “Yeah, getting ready to take them home today,” he said, pointing at two babies in blue.

  “Aren’t they precious!” Milla exclaimed.

  James introduced her, then said to Peter, “Jane tells me you want to sell your Ford Explorer. I’d like to buy it if it’s still available.”

  Peter nodded. “Sure is. Denise said she hoped y’all might want it. It’s a good vehicle, I promise you. We just need more room. Be glad to work something out with you.”

  “Thanks.” They exchanged phone numbers and arranged to meet in three days’ time to finalize the deal.

  James took the elevator down to the café. When he walked in the door, he saw Bennett, Gillian, Lindy, and Lucy standing with balloons that read “It’s a Girl!”

  His friends surrounded him, each one hugging him and offering congratulations. James felt the tears start again and wondered if he’d ever stop crying from happiness.

  “I can’t believe you all came out in this weather,” James said. Lucy must have called the other members of the supper club.

  “Of course we did,” Lindy said, smiling. “It’s stopped snowing and the roads aren’t too bad.”

  “That Jim Topling really screwed up,” Bennett said. He looked five years younger without his mustache. “We’ve got a total of five inches, and the storm’s moved east to Richmond. No three feet of snow for us.”

  “All the better,” Gillian said. “Bennett and I are leaving for a long weekend getaway on Friday.” She smiled.

  “We’re going to Sanibel Island, Florida. That was Gillian’s Valentine gift to me,” Bennett said. “I looked it up and you can see groups of dolphins right offshore. Gillian will like that,” he said, looking at his sweetheart.

  James noticed they were holding hands.

  “Not as much as I love the dolphins on my finger,” she replied. Gillian’s eyelids sparkled with turquoise eyeshadow. “Who knows what might happen down there with the warm sand under our feet and the sun shining down on us. Bennett and I might even elope.”

  Bennett shot James a panicked look, and then they all laughed.

  “James,” Lindy said, “Luis locked down the deal on the restaurant. Alma is so excited and, I have to admit, so am I. She wants my help pick
ing out what tables and chairs to put in the Mexican Kitchen. That’s what she’s calling the new restaurant.”

  “That’s great news,” James said. “You and Luis get your privacy back, and Quincy’s Gap gets its first Mexican restaurant.”

  “You must want to get back to Jane. We won’t keep you,” Gillian said. “We’ll come back tomorrow afternoon to see the baby. Have you named her yet?”

  “No. I’m getting Jane some ice cream. After she eats, maybe we can talk names. She’s exhausted, though.”

  Bennett slapped him on the back. Gillian and Lindy hugged him. Then they left him holding the balloons, standing with Lucy.

  “Thanks for giving us an escort, Lucy,” James said. “I won’t ever forget it.”

  “It was nothing.”

  “I do want to give my statement.”

  “I’ll come by the hospital early tomorrow, if that’s okay. You are staying the night?”

  “They couldn’t hoist me out of here with a crane.”

  Lucy chuckled. “I’ll take your statement in the morning then. That way, Murphy can go home tomorrow.”

  “That would be terrific. I have a feeling that once we leave the hospital, I won’t have a spare minute,” James said, then asked, “Any plans tonight? It is Valentine’s Day.”

  “I’m on duty. Those are my plans,” Lucy said, raising her chin. “I’m happy for you, James.”

  “Sullie over at the Red Bird?”

  Lucy shrugged. “I don’t know. He said something to Sheriff Huckabee about going fly fishing somewhere warm this weekend. Guess he figures that Amber and the rest of the actors will clear out as soon as they’re given the word tomorrow.”

  James looked at his friend with concern. “I want you to be happy too, Lucy.”

  “I am. My idea of happiness is different from yours. I don’t see a home and family life in my future,” she said and gave him a big smile. “Don’t worry about me, James. Go and get Jane’s ice cream. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  James watched as she left the café. He hoped that Sullie would have to eat a lot of crow before getting her back.

  Upstairs, James carried the white bag with two small containers of chocolate ice cream and two Godiva chocolate bars along with the balloons. He paused on the threshold to Jane’s room.

  Jane cuddled their daughter, who’d been washed and wrapped up snuggly in a pink blanket. A pink and blue cap covered her hair. Seeing him, Jane said, “Her eyes are open, James. Come look. Who sent the balloons?”

  James didn’t need to be asked twice. He put the ice cream and the chocolate on the side table next to the bed and wrapped the ribbons to the balloons around the doorknob. “Bennett, Gillian, Lindy, and Lucy gave them to us. They’ll be here to visit tomorrow.” He kissed Jane, then gave his little girl a kiss on her sweet forehead. She smelled of baby powder and a newborn smell that James couldn’t identify but that intoxicated him.

  “She was determined to be a Valentine’s Day baby,” Jane said. “Must be a romantic at heart.”

  “Speaking of romance,” James said. He pulled out the wrapped infinity necklace.

  Jane’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you got me a push present. Our little girl is all the present I need.”

  Relief coursed through James. “I was going to ask you if you wanted a push present. I thought we had a couple more weeks. This is the other part of your Valentine’s gift.”

  “I have your Valentine’s presents in my bag. I didn’t have time to wrap them, but go get it, please.”

  James looked inside the bag and found a gray T-shirt and matching socks. Each had due dates stamped on them, like a library card. “These are wonderful. Thank you, honey.”

  “Will you open this jewelry box for me?” Jane asked.

  “How about if I hold our daughter and you open the box,” James proposed.

  Jane transferred the baby over. James held her tight. He’d never held a newborn before. He stared down at her tiny features. “She has my mother’s eyes, Jane.”

  “Does she? Oh, my, James, you shouldn’t have gotten me something so expensive,” Jane said, holding up the necklace. The diamonds danced in the light.

  James didn’t notice at first, though. His eyes were locked on his daughter’s. Then he looked at his wife. “It’s an infinity necklace. I got it because I’ll love you forever.”

  “What a lovely sentiment. It’s beautiful. Now, would you pass our daughter back to me?”

  James did so reluctantly. “I bought something else today, but we won’t get it for a few days.”

  Jane settled the baby, and then glanced at him. “Oh? What’s that?”

  “I spoke with Denise’s husband. The Explorer is ours.” James held his breath. He figured Jane had every right to tell him “I told you so” and more after he almost missed the birth of their daughter. He was certain she knew the Bronco was toast.

  But Jane only nodded. Then she said, “Perfect for exploring our lives as a family of four.”

  James leaned his cheek against the top of Jane’s head. “Thank you, honey,” he whispered, grateful for her understanding. Then, in a normal voice, he said, “I want to name our little girl after you.”

  “Jane is such a plain name. I think we should call her Constance after your mother.”

  This was something he hadn’t expected. James’s heart soared. “Constance Jane Henry,” he said.

  Jane met his gaze, a twinkle in her eyes. “Constance Jane Austen Henry.”

  James grinned, and then laughed out loud. “That’s perfect. Are you sure it’s the name you want?”

  “I’m sure. It fits our little Valentine’s Day girl just right.”

  “I love you, Jane.”

  “I love you, James Henry. Now, would you pass me the ice cream, please?”

  Recipes

  Gillian’s Goat Cheese and Spinach Pita Bake

  Serves 6

  1 (6-ounce) tub sun-dried tomato pesto

  6 (6-inch) whole wheat pita breads

  2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped

  1 bunch spinach, rinsed and chopped

  4 fresh mushrooms, sliced

  1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

  2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  3 tablespoons olive oil

  Ground black pepper to taste

  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread tomato pesto onto one side of each pita bread and place them pesto-side up on a baking sheet. Top pitas with tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese, and Parmesan cheese; drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Bake in the preheated oven until pita breads are crisp, about 12 minutes. Cut pitas into quarters.

  James’s (Store-Bought) Greek Style Salad with Chicken

  Serves 4

  2 cups shredded chicken

  1/2 cup bottled reduced-calorie Greek vinaigrette salad dressing, divided

  Lemon zest

  1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

  6 cups torn romaine lettuce

  1-1/3 cups chopped cucumber (1 medium)

  1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

  3/4 cup chopped yellow sweet pepper (1 medium)

  1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, rings separated

  1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese (2 ounces)

  1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved

  Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

  In a medium bowl, combine chicken, 1/4 cup vinaigrette, lemon zest, and oregano; set aside.

  In a large salad bowl, toss lettuce with the remaining 1/4 cup vinaigrette. Spoon 1-1/2 cups lettuce into each of four shallow bowls. Top each with about 1/3 cup cucumber, 1/4 cup tomatoes, 3 tablespoons sweet pepper, and 2 tablespoons onion. Add chicken mixture to the center of each. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons feta and 1 tablespoon olives. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

  Mamma Mia’s Light Chicken Marsala

  Serves 4

  2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  Salt and pepper

  1/4 cup
plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

  1 tablespoon salted butter

  2 teaspoons olive oil

  3 garlic cloves, minced

  1/4 cup finely chopped shallots

  1 pound mushrooms

  1/3 cup Marsala wine

  1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth

  2 tablespoons chopped parsley

  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

  Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Put each cutlet between two sheets of waxed paper and lightly pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.

  Place an 18-inch-long length of wax paper on the counter. Put the flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess. Put the chicken on the wax paper; reserve the 1 teaspoon remaining flour to use later.

  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the butter and 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to the pan and swirl the pan until the butter has melted. Add the chicken and cook until slightly golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and place in the oven to keep warm.

  Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and shallots and cook until soft and golden, about 2 minutes.

  Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.

  Sprinkle in the reserved 1 teaspoon of flour and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds.

  Add the Marsala wine, chicken broth, and parsley. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until thickened, about 2 minutes.

  Return the chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer in the sauce to let the flavors blend, about 4 to 5 minutes.

  To serve, put a piece of chicken on each of 4 serving plates. Spoon the mushrooms and sauce evenly over the top, and serve hot.