Winter's Mourning

by Janice J. Richardson

  “Let’s drive to the Falls and check the tree with the initials,” suggested Jennifer. “It shouldn’t be too hard to find.”

  Sue agreed and they drove to the Niagara Parkway. The tourists at Clifton Hill were bustling about and as they approached the Parkway; the crowds walking around increased. Jennifer enjoyed the tourist season. She loved to watch people from around the world enjoying the Falls. This time though, she watched Sue as she checked their environment and surroundings constantly, a reminder that the city she loved was not a safe place for her with Travis free.

  Jennifer directed Sue to the parking lot and space she had used just a few days before. The lot was full of cars and there were people strolling up and down the paths. She walked back to the approximate area where she first heard Winter’s cries and oriented herself. In no time she found the tree; a large birch perched on the edge of the escarpment. It was a very different than the day she found Winter. Today the sun shone, the air was fresh and crisp, and people were walking and talking happily even as their scarves billowed out behind them.

  Jennifer touched the tree gently and ran her fingers over the initials. AW + WC was carved just below the level of Jennifer’s head. There was a rough heart etched around the initials.

  “WC. Winter Clarke,” Sue said. “A – Aaron. Now all we need is the W.”

  “Aaron W ... an individual in a city of 2.6 million. It’ a daunting task.” I will do the best I can, Winter, she thought. You and your baby deserve it.

  “Let’s go,” Sue said, breaking Jennifer’s musing. “This area is pretty open. I’d love to walk down the Parkway to the Falls, but it’s not a good idea.”

  Wordlessly Jennifer complied, not happy that her connection to Winter had been broken.

  “Can we stop by William’s Funeral Home on the way back?” Jennifer asked as they reached the car.

  Sue looked a little strained. “I’d rather not. It might put them in jeopardy if we keep going over there. I’m sorry.”

  “Then home it is.” Jennifer tried to mask her disappointment. “We could use some groceries.”

  “Got that covered. We can use a delivery service.” Sue’s phone beeped and she checked her text. She turned to Jennifer. “Our defence trainer is free if you want to get started.”

  Again, Jennifer forced herself to be upbeat. “That was nice of him to offer to come early. Let’s just hope I don’t get a walk-in. She chuckled. I don’t think I want to train in my suit.

  The thought of any kind of training didn’t make her feel happy. She hated workouts and sports. But it was only an hour out of her day, so again she reinforced to herself the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

  The officer pulled into the funeral home lot a few minutes after they did. He wore a track suit. Jennifer had expected a tall burly man, a caricature of sorts. He was anything but at less than six feet, slim, and close to middle age. He greeted Sue warmly and turned to Jennifer.

  “I’m delighted to meet you. I’m Haney. Sue tells me you’re quite the go-getter. She has trouble keeping up with you.”

  Jennifer laughed, “I’ll take that as a compliment. It’s nice to meet you too, Haney.”

  Once they settled in the lounge Haney got right down to business. He questioned Jennifer about Travis, about Jorge, about her fitness level, and about what to expect in training. He explained the purpose of the training was to teach her to avoid having to defend herself; it was about using her brain first. As he talked Jennifer was acutely aware that Haney and Sue were police officers and it made her uncomfortable. She pulled her arms closer to her sides, trying to make herself smaller.

  “If you can get away from an attacker, you’ll avoid getting injured. Let’s get started. Sue, can you push some of the chairs back?”

  Jennifer stood and watched Sue comply with Haney’s request. She put her fist into a little ball and pulled her sleeve down, feeling smaller and smaller as the two officers prepared to show her what to do.

  “First, Jennifer, use your instincts. If you don’t feel safe in a situation, remove yourself from it. Secondly, if someone confronts you, don’t reason with them. They don’t think like you do. If someone wants your money, give it to them. Sue told me what happened when Jorge wanted the money. You handled that well, gave yourself the advantage and by using your head, you got away.”

  Jennifer nodded, not trusting herself to acknowledge the compliment. She felt overwhelmed and the mention of Jorge triggered a flash of anxiety.

  “Now I want to show you how to physically defend yourself should the need arise. We’ll do the same moves over and over until you’re confident. The last thing you need if someone who’s a foot taller grabs you, and you second-guess yourself. You and Sue can practice.”

  “Shouldn’t I get changed?” asked Jennifer.

  Haney shook his head. “You usually wear a suit and heels when you work, correct?” Jennifer nodded. “Then the odds are should you need to defend yourself you’ll most likely be in a suit and heels.”

  He moved behind Jennifer and explained that he was going to pretend to grab her around the neck. She stood still and did her best to pay attention. But as his arm closed around her throat she felt vulnerable and helpless. He explained how to break and reinforced the need for action, not to freeze when grabbed. She was relieved when he had Sue practice with him so she could see how effective it could be.

  An hour later Haney called it quits. “That’s enough for today. I’ll be back in a couple of days to check on your technique and teach you a few more moves. In the meantime, here is a list of websites and articles on protecting yourself against an attacker.” He handed her the information.

  “Thank you, Haney,” said Jennifer. “See you soon.” She hoped her tone did not portray her relief that the session was over. She wanted to learn to protect herself, and scolded herself for feeling so helpless.

  As Sue walked Haney to the door, Jennifer went into the hallway mirror to check her hair and makeup. The bank manager would be arriving shortly to sign the documents. Joining them would be her lawyer, Mr. Duncan. Anne had made arrangements to sign the paperwork at her bank.

  Mr. Duncan arrived first, he took some times to go over a few last-minute details. When he was satisfied Jennifer had no more questions, he asked her how things were going. Jennifer hung her head before she answered.

  “Travis is back. He’s been sending death threats. The lady you see hanging around is a police officer. She’s my body guard.” Jennifer lifted her head, uncomfortable that Mr. Duncan could see the tears behind her eyes as she made that statement. A usually reticent individual, he leaned forward and put his hand on Jennifer’s forearm.

  “I’m so sorry Jennifer. You have a bright future ahead of you and this situation is not helping. This scares me. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Jennifer shook her head. “The police think Travis was, rather, is the brains behind the organization. It’s like he is invincible.”

  “No one’s invincible. I have a friend I need to talk to about this. Are you OK with me doing that?”

  Jennifer paused before she replied, “Yes, I guess so.”

  Mr. Duncan chuckled. “Funeral service has a tight-knit community, so do lawyers. We have connections. I’ll ask around.”

  Mr. Putnam arrived and Mr. Duncan got down to business. In no time Jennifer had signed the documents; the sale was complete and she was the owner of another funeral home.

  “Everything is finalized,” said Mr. Duncan. Jennifer rose to thank Mr. Putnam and walk him out.

  “SURPRISE!” several voices yelled from the lounge. Jennifer whirled around to face the door, startled. In came Peter in a wheelchair followed by Angel, Marcia, Desta, Jeff, and Elaine. Bringing up the rear were Sue and Detective Sergeant Gillespie. They were carrying champagne and cake.

  “Congratulations Jennifer,” said Mr. Duncan, his smile wider than Jennifer had ever seen it. He seemed pleased to be part of the conspiracy to surprise her. As she smil
ed back tears spilled down her cheeks.

  “Those had better be happy tears,” said Marcia, who was also teary-eyed as she swept Jennifer up in a hug.

  “If you’ll excuse me,” said Mr. Putnam, “I should be getting back to the office.”

  “Can’t you stay for a little champagne?” asked Elaine.

  “No, no—enjoy your party. I’ll let myself out.

  Mr. Duncan had no intention of leaving. He sat back in his chair, still smiling.

  “I’m so proud of you,” said Elaine.

  Peter was next to offer his congratulations. “Way to go Jennifer. We’re all so happy for you.”

  She looked around at the smiling faces in the room. The warmth of her friends’ good wishes energized her like nothing else could. “I’m a complete loss for words, except to say thank you. There’s no way this could have happened without you all. We’re a great team. With, of course, a great lawyer.”

  A still smiling Mr. Duncan inclined his head in acknowledgement.

  As Marcia and Elaine opened the champagne and cut the cake, Sue came over and gave Jennifer a high five. “Way to go, girl.” She winked. “I’m going to make sure the doors are locked, be right back.”

  Jennifer watched as Elaine and Marcia pulled plates from the cupboard and discussed the size of the cake slices. Angel was pouring champagne into little plastic champagne glasses. For a few seconds she felt detached from the picture, as if she didn’t belong. Shaking it off she turned to see Peter wheeling himself toward her. She met him halfway as he reached up for a hug. In no time, Sue had returned, everyone was served and had found a seat.

  Jennifer asked Peter how he was. “Well, I will be more or less mobile by the time I start school,” he said. The clatter of forks on plates stopped and the room was silent as everyone looked at him in surprise. Angel was smiling.

  “He got his acceptance to college today,” she said.

  Cheers and congratulations echoed through the usually silent funeral home.

  Marcia stood up, went to her tote bag and pulled out a package. She winked at Angel. It was obvious the two of them had been conspiring.

  “Attention please,” she said to much merriment. “Peter, this gift is from all of us. We knew you would get into Humber, so we went shopping a few weeks ago. We know that you are a whiz at all things computer and tech. But you are moving into our world now, anatomy, physiology, pathology, psychology, just a few courses ahead for you, so we got you a little something to get you started on your new academic journey.”

  With a flourish only Marcia could pull off she passed the package to Peter.

  He looked around at the little group and slowly opened it. Inside was an anatomy colouring book with a large set of coloured pencils. Peter scanned the pages silently, then looked up at everyone.

  “This is what lies ahead?” he said seriously. “I changed my mind.”

  For a few seconds the group looked at him in silence then he flashed mischievous grin.

  “Thanks guys. I just might have some time on my hands to work on this.”

  Elaine spoke up. “We miss you Peter and can’t wait for you to come back.”

  “Jennifer and I really do feel responsible for what happened Peter,” said Marcia.

  Peter laughed. “It was an accident. I don’t remember much but I do remember seeing Mrs. Werther pass out and telling Marcia to check on that pallbearer. He was the one who was struggling to lift the front of the casket and I think he was the first one to let go.”

  “I don’t believe Mr. Duncan knows the story,” said Ryan drying. “Perhaps we should tell him.” He looked at Marcia who was sitting beside him. “Just in case you need his services if the family sues.”

  Marcia did her best to look offended. “They still might,” Marcia said, mustering her dignity.

  “Oh?” queried Mr. Duncan. Ryan took centre stage, telling the story with much flourish. Mr. Duncan and the rest of the room erupted with laughter. Marcia did her best to maintain her air of aloofness but when he got to the part about the ambulances she joined in.

  When the laughter died down Jennifer spoke up.

  “Peter, we are your friends. We will help you in any way we can. Good friends help each other move, but only funeral directors and pathology teams help each other move bodies.” The group groaned at the bad joke. She continued. “The Werther incident will be an infamous part of the history of Spencer and Williams. Let’s just do our best to make sure it doesn’t happen too often.”

  Ryan’s pager could be heard above the laughter. He left the room to make a call and returned a couple of minutes later.”

  “Gotta run,” he said. He looked at Marcia. “Williams Funeral Home is up next on the call list. Your services will be required later this evening.” Ryan leaned over Marcia and planted a kiss on her cheek. Everyone in the room applauded and cheered, it was the first time they had publicly acknowledged their commitment to each other.

  Mr. Duncan rose. “I am going to drop off the documents at the Kostopoulos’ lawyer’s office.” He turned to Jennifer. “Congratulations again on the new venture.”

  One by one people headed out, leaving Marcia and Jennifer and Sue. Marcia’s phone rang.

  “That’s a little soon for the coroner’s call,” she said. Jennifer and Sue tidied up while Marcia took the message from the answering service. She moved into Jennifer’s office to call the family back, emerging a few minutes later.

  “I have a family coming in tomorrow to prearrange, they have a little girl who has end-stage cancer. She is eight years old.” Marcia’s eyes reflected her sorrow.

  “That’s a tough one,” said Jennifer sadly.

  “From our brief conversation, the parent’s have done their best to prepare. They want her school to be involved as well. When does Brent start Jen?

  “The end of next week,” responded Jennifer. “His kids are in primary school. It would it be a tough start in his new job if he has to do that call.”

  “It would,” said Marcia. “It’s hard on all of us.”

  Jennifer nodded. The room was silent for a few minutes as Sue and Marcia and Jennifer were lost in thought.

  Jennifer was the first to speak. “If we have a coroner’s call pending perhaps we should make supper, you joining us Marcia?”

  “Sure, thanks,” said Marcia. “Ryan won’t be done for hours, he and I can catch up tomorrow. I don’t feel like being alone right now.”

  Upstairs Grimsby greeted the three of them, moving from one to another before he settled with Marcia who absentmindedly scratched him under his chin.

  “Sue and I were planning a trip to Toronto,” said Jennifer. “I think we may have to cancel it.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” said Sue. “My buddy can work on contacting Winter’s landlord and friends. He will get back to me in the next day or so. I will let him know we can’t meet with him.”

  “I can still cover for you if you need to go,” said Marcia.

  “Wanted to go,” responded Jennifer. “The incident with Travis is the reason I am cancelling, not because we are short staffed.” She laughed. “You could manage a dozen funerals and not break a sweat.”

  “Well, maybe not a dozen. Ten perhaps?” Marcia glowed from the compliment.

  The three of them had a quiet and pleasant dinner. Marcia told them what paint colours she had decided on for her condo. She had also splurged for sunshades for the windows with curtains for blackout. She was having hardwood installed in the bedrooms and hallways.

  “I am enjoying the cottage, it would be a great place to live most of the time,” said Marcia. “But getting in and out in the winter in the middle of the night could be a challenge.”

  “I checked the website this morning, Anne added a few more bookings for October,” said Jennifer. “I had great plans to take care of the property myself. That was kyboshed when I signed the paperwork this evening. There is just no time.”

  She rose to start the dishes. In no time the apart
ment was tidy. Jennifer walked to the patio doors, opened them and stepped out into the dusk to watch the sunset. Glancing over the houses on the street she saw the corner of a curtain drop in a window at Simon’s house. The street was quiet and peaceful and the birds were cheeping as they prepared to settle in for the night. She sat on the lawn chair and watched the sunset, letting her body relax. She could hear Marcia and Sue talking in the apartment. Over and over in her head she reviewed what Haney had taught her earlier in the day. She was determined to ensure she was prepared for anything Travis did. There was too much at stake not to.

  Once darkness fell she rose, stretched and went back inside to make tea, feeling more at peace than she had in the past week. An hour later the answering service phoned about the coroner’s call Ryan had mentioned. Sue would accompany the two of them as they responded. Jennifer put a little stool in the back for her. It reminded her of the Wisener call when Peter had to squeeze into the back of the van.

  The call was just a few blocks from William’s Funeral Home on a quiet residential street with small wartime bungalows sporting neatly trimmed grass and hedges. A small group of neighbours stood outside the police tape. The crime scene van and several squad cards were behind the tape. An officer lifted the tape so Jennifer could drive up to the house. Detective Sergeant Gillespie’s face was grim when he met them at the door.

  “This woman suffered a horrible death because her husband didn’t like what she made for supper,” he said to Sue. He was clearly disgusted.

  Sue and Ryan continued their discussion in another room while Jennifer and Marcia entered the kitchen. The kitchen was a mess of food and broken dishes and blood, too much blood. Clearly, a violent altercation had occurred. Jennifer and Marcia exchanged glances, sickened by the sight.

  “I don’t know about you, I never get used to homicide scenes,” said Marcia quietly. “How can people be so horrible to each other?”

  “It is horrible,” responded Jennifer. “I can’t get used to it either.”

  They got down to business, carefully transferring the body to the stretcher, trying not to disturb the scene.