When Dr. Norse walked into the waiting room, the two men shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries before the sheriff asked about Michael Logan.
“The rumor around town is he died of a heart attack. Is that true?”
“Yes. I signed his death certificate this afternoon with ‘heart failure’ as the cause of death. He’d been ill for quite some time.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. He was an exemplary man, but the town will be relieved we don’t have another crime on our hands.”
“Not this time, thank goodness.”
Satisfied it was natural causes, he asked about Bulk.
“What I can tell you is that Bulk is responding well to treatment, and we’re hopeful he may be able to talk to us about what is frightening him in a day or two.”
“Great news, I hope it’s soon.”
“Unless Bulk wants to talk to you, we can’t force him.”
The sheriff knew the only way he could legally interrogate Bulk was to place him under arrest, and he didn’t have cause for that yet.
“I’ll bide my time,” said the sheriff. Dr. Norse assured him if the situation changed he would call.
***
Daniel agreed to go to church the next morning and they went to bed early. Drifting off to sleep, too many thoughts ran through Annamarie’s mind. Ben was gone, and now grandpa. Garret put them in a terrible situation. Daniel was on the edge of regressing back into depression.
She had to convince him to tell the sheriff about Garret before someone else was killed. They needed to be safe. Not only the two of them, but their families, perhaps the entire town was in danger. A killer was running around free, and no one except Garret and Nancy knew his identity.
***
Annamarie heard the music first, the soft sounds of a violin. A campfire flickered. She was in the midst of a dark forest but wasn’t afraid. Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, she turned to see the beautiful woman in the multi-colored dress. Her dark hair was loose this time and swayed with her moves when she began to dance gracefully around the campfire. Mesmerized, Annamarie watched her dance around and around in the firelight. She realized she was not only watching the woman dance, but she was also the woman dancing. While she spun with the music, she saw herself at the edge of the clearing watching.
The woman, or was it herself, walked up to Annamarie and gently caressed her cheek whispering, “Do not fear, my little one. I will always watch over you and keep you safe.”
***
Annamarie woke yet was strangely unafraid. Glancing at the clock radio, she noticed it was a little after four o’clock. She laid there going over the dream in her mind. She felt calm, knowing she was safe. She had a guardian and things were going to work out. The only confusion she had was whether she was Annamarie, Magdalena or a combination of both. Pondering the question, she fell back into a deep sleep.
The alarm rattled both Daniel and Annamarie from their slumber at seven o’clock.
Daniel moaned, “Turn that off.”
Reminding him that they were both going to church, he mumbled, “Why?” And then, from the look on his face, Annamarie knew he remembered yesterday’s events.
“It wasn’t a nightmare?”
“I wish,” she said, keeping her dream to herself.
Any talk about spirits would only add more fuel to the fire burning in Daniel’s mind, and she knew he had more than enough to deal with.
She rolled over, looked at him, trying her best to smile. “How about a morning kiss?”
That took his mind off of yesterday for a few moments, and then they both knew they had to get up and face the day.
Standing in front of her closet, Annamarie had no idea what to wear. She would need her black dress again tomorrow and finally settled on a navy blue skirt and a light blue blouse.
Too hot for a suit, Daniel dressed in navy slacks and a blue shirt slightly darker than her blouse. They looked like a matched pair. Deciding people would think they planned this and it would be in poor taste, she quickly changed into a pale yellow blouse and brown skirt.
“Better,” Daniel smiled at her. “We won’t look like odd twins.”
***
They managed to make small talk until it was time to leave for church. Daniel insisted they sit in the back pew where no one would stare at him. He knew Father Mueller would be mentioning his grandfather, and he didn’t want to be seen. He also planned to make a hasty retreat as soon as Mass was over.
After Mass had concluded, Father Mueller made the announcement for anyone who didn’t know about the passing of Michael Logan. He added there would be a Memorial Service, with a luncheon to follow, tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock at Good Shepherd. The family planned a private burial. He thanked them for listening, and before he could finish his blessing Daniel was heading for the door. Annamarie was close behind. They were in the parking lot before the rest of the congregation began to leave the church.
Hearing her mom’s voice calling her name, she turned to see her waving from the top of the church steps.
“Slow down,” she told Daniel. “Mom’s headed this way.”
Paula hurried toward them and said, “I’m glad I caught you before you left.”
She hugged Daniel and told him how sorry she was to hear about his grandfather. Then she hugged Annamarie, assuring her things would turn out all right. Annamarie had her doubts.
Her mom knew Maureen always made lunch for the family on Sunday, but with grandpa’s passing, Paula had called Maureen and suggested they all come to her house for lunch. Maureen had gratefully accepted. Paula told them to follow Theo and her home.
***
“Just what I need today,” said Daniel when they drove to Annamarie’s parents’ house. “Two sets of parents.”
“What about the fresh start we’re going to make?”
“I was hoping it meant more time for us and less with parents.”
“We’ll have a lot of time, but now we all need family.”
Smiling, he agreed. She thought he was secretly happy to spend time with both of their families. Dreading tomorrow, she was hoping the day would pass slowly.
***
While she was preparing to leave, Maureen found George in his den.
“I’ve spoken to Irene about the memorial lunch for father,” said Maureen.
Irene was a member of Good Shepherd’s ladies’ auxiliary and also in charge of lunches for weddings, funerals, and other functions.
“We discussed the menu, the approximate number of people and cost. Irene and her sister Iris will cook most of the food, and other members will bring salads or desserts, whatever is needed.”
“Thanks for handling it, dear.”
Maureen mentioned the cost and watched George pull out a sum of cash from his safe. He counted out what was needed, and looked at the cash on his desk. He counted another sum equal to the first and placed it with the other stack of bills.
He looked at Maureen and said, “Father always told me it was better to give too much than not enough, and the church can always use a little extra.”
Walking up to her husband, she hugged him. “I love you. We better leave now because I told Irene we would stop before we head to church so she and Iris can shop right after services.”
George nodded, and sadly picked up a pen, wrote “Michael Logan Memorial Lunch” on the front of an envelope, placed the cash inside and sealed it.
Arriving at Irene’s, Maureen took the envelope. “I’ll go. You stay here in the car and rest.” She was worried about her husband, he appeared so pale.
Irene saw Maureen coming up the walk and opened the door.
“Iris and I offer our sincere condolences.” She reached out and hugged Maureen. People rarely get close to Maureen, but it somehow felt right. She thought maybe her daughter-in-law was correct, and they can all change.
“Thank you, Irene.” Handing her the envelope, she added, “Here’s the amount we discussed plus some. If
there’s extra left, please place it in whatever fund you have for future luncheons, or to help a family in need.”
“Thank you for your generosity.” She waved to George. He did his best to smile and wave back.
Maureen hurried back to the car. “Oh dear, look at the time. We’d better get to church before we’re late.” George wasn’t in any mood to go to church. He felt exactly the way Daniel did that morning. Maureen put her hand on his arm and said they had to go since Pastor Anders was going to mention father during the service. George agreed, but it was the exact reason he didn’t want to go.
They parked close to the church. Walking slowly towards the doors, it felt like one of the longest they’d taken to church, but Maureen knew tomorrow would feel longer and more difficult.
George followed Maureen and sat next to her in the third pew from the front. He usually enjoyed being close since he hated to wear his glasses in public. Today he wished he could melt into the background.
After his sermon, Pastor Anders read the weekly prayer requests. Clearing his throat quietly, Pastor Anders addressed his congregation again.
“As many of you probably know, we lost a dear member of our church community yesterday morning. Michael Logan passed away unexpectedly at home. At one o’clock tomorrow afternoon, we will be holding a Memorial Service for him here at church. It will be followed by a luncheon for anyone wishing to attend. The family will then have a private burial service. Michael Logan will be missed, not only here, but in the entire town of Timmus Woods as well. Please pray for the family to have strength during this difficult time.”
George also prayed for that. He had no idea how he was going to deal with life and work without his father’s guidance. His private thoughts and worries carried him through the rest of the church service, and soon Maureen was nudging him. “It’s time to go.” He regretted again sitting close to the front of the church because everyone seemed to be waiting near the exit to shake his hand and offer condolences.
Why are they doing this now? George thought fretfully. They’ll put me through this again tomorrow afternoon.
***
While George was dealing with the well-intentioned church members, Daniel and Theo were doing their best to get the grill lit in the backyard. Paula commented at the rate they were going, they’d either blow up the grill, along with themselves or she would end up broiling the steaks.
“Mom come here and watch,” Annamarie said. “They seem to be arguing about how to start a fire, but they’re laughing.”
Her mom stood next to her, watching them through the back door screen. “Yes, think I’ll be broiling the steaks.”
Suddenly they both heard a “whoosh,” and there was a big fire going in the grill. Daniel and her dad were slapping each other on the back, congratulating themselves.
“I’ll never understand men, Mom.”
“I don’t think we’re meant to, dear. I think your dad and Daniel are bonding. Daniel’s grieving. It’s good for them to work out the problem together.”
“I hope so Mom, dad makes Daniel nervous.”
“Most father-in-laws do that,” her mom smiled.
She heard Maureen and George drive up. The fire was under control, it looked as if they would be able to barbecue the steaks after all.
The afternoon passed as pleasantly as possible. None of them was in a party mood, but they all needed to be together. George told them stories of his dad. Most were enjoyable, some funny, and a few were sad or frightening. Michael Logan always took part in every venture he encountered, including working as a lumberjack alongside the others. He nearly lost his life once, and another time severely broke a leg. When he walked without a limp, it was a blessing, but he stopped working with the timber. Then he lost Margaret and threw himself into his insurance business.
He was an amazing man, and while Annamarie understood why he died, she was still angry. She couldn’t get the idea of Garret out of her mind, or the possibility he could be responsible. The anger was slowly growing to hatred. It wasn’t a long journey. She never liked Garret.
“Penny for your thoughts,” said her dad when he handed her a glass of wine. Her mom was serving dessert. She looked at the glass and then back at her dad.
He had never given her wine before. He smiled saying, “After this week you’ve grown up more than enough, regardless of what the law says.”
Two years away from being “legal,” she appreciated the comment and the wine until she took a sip. From the expression on her face, her dad knew she would never appreciate wine. She placed the glass on the table. The chocolate torte her mom made was delicious, but Annamarie enjoyed it with a glass of milk, the thought of killing Garret with her bare hands slipping to the back of her mind.
George and Maureen left late in the afternoon, and they all agreed to meet at the church thirty minutes before the Memorial Service. Daniel and Annamarie stayed until after dinner, nibbling on leftovers and spending time together as a family.
***
It was dark when they arrived home. Hoping to spend a little quiet time before getting some sleep, Annamarie relaxed on the sofa. She knew Daniel was worried when he didn’t sit down, choosing to pace back and forth. She dreaded asking him, but finally did.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said concerning grandfather … umm … grandpa and Garret.”
Hesitating, she asked, “Why?”
“If Garret and Nancy had something to do with this, I have to know. I have to go see them tonight.”
“Okay,” she said heading for the bedroom, “but wait a minute.” Quickly changing into jeans and a long-sleeve top to keep the mosquitoes away, she grabbed a pair of socks from a drawer and her sneakers from the closet.
Back in the living room, Daniel stared at her with a confused look.
Annamarie answered before he could ask. “You’re not going to see that creep on your own. I’m coming along and please don’t argue with me. I won’t stay here alone.”
They left together, united for the first time in whatever was going on with Garret. Annamarie was ready to battle Daniel’s spirits if need be. Dealing with all the drama this week, and the sheriff’s treatment had changed something in her. Unsure if she had grown up or discovered a side of her she never knew, she was different. Stronger and more determined Annamarie was ready to stand by Daniel’s side, regardless of what he was going to face.
Arriving at the end of the trail, Daniel and Annamarie walked quietly through the trees until they saw the outbuilding in the meadow. Daniel whistled and heard Garret whistle in reply. Garret and Nancy emerged.
“What’s she doing here?” asked Garret.
“Shut up, creep,” Annamarie said.
“Have you been near the house today?” Daniel asked.
“No.”
Daniel told them about his grandfather.
“I’m so sorry,” said Nancy sounding sincere.
Garret’s only comment was to ask if the house was empty, could they sleep in it.
Daniel had to hold Annamarie back. She was ready to plow into Garret and cause some damage, although she was sure she would’ve been the one hurt.
“Better not. Someone’s there cleaning tonight and tomorrow before the Memorial Service,” Daniel said. Garret reluctantly agreed.
***
Walking back through the pines, Annamarie said, “Stop and look at the trees in the moonlight. It’s so peaceful and beautiful, not a place anything evil would be.”
“Maybe, but I still believe there are spirits here.”
“If that’s true, then they’re benevolent,” she said trying to comfort whatever fear Daniel might have.
A soft breeze picked up and blew past them with a delightful scent of pine. It stopped almost as soon as it began. Daniel raised his eyebrows, and they hurried back to his Jeep.
Both exhausted, they didn’t talk much on the short drive home. Falling asleep quickly, Annamarie’s prayed her night
would be dreamless. That prayer was answered. Waking, they lay in bed for quite some time talking about the day ahead. Neither Daniel nor Annamarie was ready for another funeral.
***
The thought of seeing an urn holding grandpa’s ashes upset her more than viewing a casket. Annamarie wanted to hide her head under the pillow, and stay in bed all day. Finally, Daniel said they had to get up, offering to let her shower first while he made something to eat.
After breakfast, Daniel dressed in another one of his dark work suits, and Annamarie pulled out the little black dress she was beginning to hate. She decided to pull her hair back and tie it with a scarf. When she looked at her collection, she didn’t have much choice. She pulled out the black one, and then she thought about the black one with a small amount of red trim.
Remembering what grandpa said about the red lily meaning passion when he gave her the wedding bouquet, she chose the one with red because of grandpa’s passion for life. Daniel thought it was an excellent idea.
***
They were a bit early. George and Maureen were already there. Entering the church, Annamarie was reminded of Ben’s funeral. The entire front was awash in color from the numerous plants and floral arrangements. Somewhere in that sea of color were the flowers from Daniel and Annamarie, but this time she had no idea what they were. Her mom had taken care of ordering flowers for them.
What caught and held her eye was a small table covered with white embroidered fabric. The brushed silver urn containing what was left of her beloved grandpa sat on the table. It made her shiver and then begin to shake. By the time she grabbed for Daniel’s arm, her tears were flowing freely, and she was trembling head to toe.
Daniel led her to the front pew, telling her to take deep breaths. He put his arm around her for support whispering, “This week has been too much for you. We should have asked Dr. Norse for pills to help you.”
“No,” she said. “I need to be aware of all of this. I’ll be okay. It was the shock of thinking grandpa’s in the urn, when the last time I saw him was at his home happy and healthy, or at least I thought he was healthy.”
Gypsy Spirits Page 17
