Fading Thunder

by Abagail Eldan

  “Jay, please don’t let what happened ...” she trailed off, her eyes filling with tears.

  “I’m not comfortable staying in a house where hanky-panky is going on. You’re a married woman.” I clenched my teeth, still finding it hard to believe what I had seen.

  “I’m separated and soon to be divorced.” She wrung her hands. “And nothing is going on — not really. Matthew was proposing, and I said yes.”

  “You’re going to marry him?” My mouth hung open as I stared at her.

  “As hard as it is for you to believe, I love him, and we plan to marry as soon as the divorce is final.”

  “You are a married woman, living under the same roof with that man; a man who is old enough to be your father.”

  “Nothing is going on, I promise. If there was, don’t you think we know how to lock a door?”

  I considered that for a moment before I spoke again. “I think you know what you’re doing is not right.”

  “If you feel that way, stay here and chaperone.”

  “I can’t stay. As soon as we get the results from Zeke’s tests, I’ve got to go home, check on Michael, and get back to work. Can you imagine what the office looks like now?”

  A brief smile touched her lips. “I understand. But can’t you stay until you get the results? You know Matthew. Stay and get to know him better. He’s done some wonderful things.”

  I searched her face, perfectly made up as always. “Let me ask you a question. What went wrong between you and Dan?”

  Pain filled her eyes, and she shaded them from me. Her lips trembled, and her breathing became shallow and rapid. Her distress constricted my heart.

  I laid a hand on her arm. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”

  She turned to face me, the tears swimming in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I can’t talk about it now. One day, I’ll be able to tell you, when the pain is not as fresh.”

  I was torn. It wasn’t right, what she was doing, but obviously things had gone terribly wrong between her and Dan. I wanted to ask why she had asked Dan to lie but didn’t have the heart to cause her more stress.

  I sipped on my tea, making a decision. “I reckon a few more days won’t hurt, but just until we get the results back.”

  “Thank you, Jay.”

  I cleared my throat. “I was going to write Michael a letter, the reason I went in the library. I was looking for stationery.”

  “I believe there’s some in here. Let me check. Did you decide to tell him you’re pregnant?”

  “No. I’ll wait until I see him.”

  She had gotten up and found the stationery. “Why don’t you write in here? I’ll take J.C.”

  “James Colton.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “James Colton. Michael wants to use his full name.”

  “James Colton, it is.”

  “He likes the goldfish pond,” I told her.

  “Great. That’s where we’ll go. Want to see the goldfish, James Colton?”

  He slid off the chair and grabbed her hand.

  “Tell Momma bye.”

  He obediently waved, and they were gone. I poured another cup of tea and took it with me to the table. Once I had pen in hand, my mind went blank, and I sat staring into space, trying to make sense of all that had happened. I sighed heavily. Life held no easy answers.

  I began to write, pouring out my heart to Michael, hoping he would understand. I asked him to consider fencing in an area for Argos. But I didn’t tell him I was pregnant. That would have to be done face to face. I took the letter to the table near the front door and left it there to be posted.

  James Colton and I stayed, awaiting the test results, and I did as Marla had asked and tried to see Mr. Drake through her eyes. Perhaps my prejudice stemmed from seeing his familiarity with Marla when I’d first met him. Perhaps it was because it broke my heart to see the dissolution of her marriage to Dan. Looking at him dispassionately, Mr. Drake did seem congenial and kind, although a little strange. Perhaps Marla loved him. And how did I know what had occurred in her marriage? Perhaps Dan was the one lying, and he was the one who’d had the affair.

  I met Dan once more, and he told me he had talked to both his uncle and Marla. He didn’t give any details, and I didn’t ask. He told me he would be packing up and going to his farm. I again repeated for him to visit anytime when I returned, praying it would be soon, praying Michael would agree to the solution for Argos. He did not immediately answer my letter nor did he call, as I had hoped.

  Four days later, James Colton and I had just come downstairs, and Marla called me to the phone. I sent James Colton on to the radio room to play and went to the telephone in the library. I listened carefully to the voice on the other end of the line before protesting. I shook my head and hung up, feeling dazed.

  “Are you okay?” Marla asked.

  “I need to talk to Zeke.”

  “He’s in the radio room with James Colton.”

  “Thanks.”

  She didn’t follow, and I was glad to see Grace was not there. I asked Zeke to sit beside me on the couch. James Colton was working on a jigsaw puzzle at the table and barely looked up when I entered.

  “What’s up, sis?” Zeke asked. His clear eyes surveyed me solemnly.

  “I’ve just had a phone call with the results of your tests.” I licked my lips, and he watched me expectantly. “They detected an irregular heartbeat. They don’t think it’s serious but want to monitor your heart closely for a few weeks.”

  “Oh? We get to stay longer?” Instead of being alarmed, his eyes showed eagerness.

  I sighed. “We’ve been away from home too long. I’ve got to get back, and you’re going with me.”

  “I’ll be fine. Do you think Mr. Drake will mind if I stay? Marla can take me to the appointments, and if she can’t, I can check and see if there’s a bus stop nearby.”

  I frowned at him. He sounded much too grown up. “Zeke, this may be something serious. It’s not vacation time with Grace. As a matter of fact, you need to get away from her for a bit.”

  “That won’t work. Grace and I will simply find a way to be together.” He shrugged his shoulders.

  “Zeke! What are you thinking? You’re only fourteen.”

  “Almost fifteen. My birthday is only a couple of weeks away. I can take care of myself.”

  With heat rising to my cheeks, I stared him down. “You do know how girls get pregnant? You do not need to —”

  He looked away, rubbing his hands on his jeans. “I know. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m not going to worry because you’re going home with me.”

  He turned his head toward me, a pleading expression creeping across his face. He looked so much like my four-year-old brother from long ago, his hair golden, his eyes as blue as the sky. “Please? Let me stay.”

  I sighed. “No. You can go home, for at least a few days, see Momma. I know she wants to see you.”

  His eyes clouded, and he let out a long sigh. “You’re right. I need to check on Momma.”

  “I told them our doctor at home will monitor you. We’ll see what Dr. Burch has to say. If he thinks you need to come back, you can catch the bus.”

  Zeke gave a brief nod, his face brightening a bit. “All right.”

  I touched his shoulder and left him, going to find Marla.

  “Was it bad news?” she asked.

  “They still don’t know for sure. They say it’s an irregular heartbeat, but it sounds serious. Why else would they want to monitor him? The problem is that we need to get home.”

  “I understand. Zeke is welcome to stay, for as long as he needs to.” She already seemed like the mistress of the house.

  I shook my head. “Momma wants to see him. And we can’t keep imposing on Mr. Drake’s hospitality.”

  “I’m sure he’s fine with it.”

  “If Dr. Burch thinks he needs to return, I’ll send him back on the bus.”

  She nodded her head. “It will all w
ork out. You go on home, check on Mike and Dr. Driscoll and let Zeke visit with his mother. I’ll pick him up at the bus station if he has to return.”

  I moved away, running a finger along the edge of the bookcase.

  “Anything else you wanted to talk about, Jay?”

  I turned to face her. “As a matter of fact, yes. Have you noticed Zeke and Grace?”

  She smiled and nodded her head. “Grace really likes him.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “And that could be a problem with both of them under the same roof. They need supervision.”

  “Of course! If Dr. Burch sends him back, I’ll keep a close eye on them.”

  I surveyed her coolly, uncomfortable with the idea. Wasn’t she showing immoral behavior herself? She seemed to read my mind.

  “Matthew and I will be the epitome of righteous living.” She struggled to suppress a smile. “Really, Jay, don’t you think you can trust me?”

  So many people asking me to trust them; so many people lying to me. I moved restlessly around the room. “All right. I’ll see what Dr. Burch says.” I came to a stop. “I’ll call and see when the next bus is leaving.”

  She came to where I was standing and placed a hand on my arm. “Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”

  I didn’t answer, just shook off her hand and left the room, going into the dining room to make my call.

  James Colton, Zeke, and I left at one o’clock that afternoon. I called home, but Michael did not answer, so I called Aunt Jenny’s. Uncle Colt promised to meet me at the bus stop in downtown Opp. It was a little after six when the bus pulled in.

  Uncle Colt didn’t meet us — instead, it was Michael.

  Chapter 19—Michael and Dan

  I was so happy to see my husband that I threw my arms around his neck, and he held me close for a second before releasing me.

  He lightly touched James Colton on the head. “Hey, buddy.”

  James Colton hid behind my legs. “Tell Daddy hi, James Colton.”

  He mumbled something inaudible, and I gave Michael an apologetic look. I took James Colton’s hand. Michael retrieved my suitcase and slapped Zeke on the shoulder. We walked the short distance to the truck, and Michael opened the door for me. I climbed in, and Zeke lifted James Colton to my lap. I scooted to the middle to make room for Zeke. James Colton pressed against me when Michael got in. The old truck door was hard to close, and it took a couple of tries for Zeke to slam it shut.

  Michael gestured at his son’s hand. “He got his stitches out. Dr. Burch did a good job.”

  “He did.” His thumb was a mass of scars, but he had almost full use of his thumb. I hugged James Colton to me. “I got my stitches out, too.”

  Michael smiled. “Good.” He pulled onto the road.

  “I don’t know if Aunt Jenny told you about Zeke?”

  He shook his head, so on the way home, Zeke and I filled him in. I debated telling him about Marla but decided not to — at least not now. There would be time later.

  We stopped by Aunt Jenny’s, and Momma hugged Zeke to her for several minutes until he pried her arms loose. Momma begged Zeke to stay, and Aunt Jenny said she would fix him a pallet on the floor if he wanted to. He nodded, so we left him and went on home.

  James Colton fell asleep, so I carried him in and put him in his bed. Michael brought in my suitcase and headed back out. It warmed my heart when he said he had taken my advice and made a large pen for Argos. He was going to check on him, afraid the dog would figure a way out if left alone for too long.

  Right after he left, someone knocked on the front door. It was Dan. Instead of inviting him in, I stepped onto the porch.

  “Dan! How are you doing?” I was surprised to see him. I had told him to visit anytime, but I had just gotten home. I was tired and wanted to spend some time with Michael.

  “Fine.” His voice sounded hoarse, as if with some emotion he held in.

  “Do you want to sit down?” I asked politely, hoping he’d decline.

  He didn’t answer, simply went over to the swing and started it in motion. The heels of his heavy boots hit the porch every time he swung back.

  “Let me see about J-James Colton. Do you want anything to drink?”

  “No, thank you.”

  When the screen door closed behind me, I peeked out. His face was flushed with darker spots of red on his cheeks.

  I checked on James Colton who was awake. I grabbed a couple of toys and brought him out on the porch. I took a seat on one of the rockers.

  James Colton ran up to Dan, who ruffled his hair. “Hey, J.C. You look more like your daddy every day.”

  My son grinned at him. “Play ball, Dan?”

  Michael rounded the edge of the house. He didn’t climb the steps to the porch, stopping short. James Colton ran to me, burying his face in my lap.

  Michael jerked a thumb at Dan and addressed me. “What’s he doing here?”

  I frowned and got to my feet, holding James Colton’s hand. I looked to Dan for the answer.

  Dan shrugged, avoiding my look and setting the swing back in motion. “I wanted a word with your wife.”

  Michael narrowed his eyes at Dan and looked back to me. James Colton had taken refuge behind my legs again and peered out at his daddy.

  “Come here, son,” Michael said.

  James Colton shook his head. I smoothed his hair and frowned at Michael. “Not now,” I murmured.

  Michael glared at me, and I sat down, pulling my son into my lap. I spoke to Dan quietly. “I think you’d better go.”

  But Dan ignored me, continuing to swing.

  Michael came up the steps, still glowering at Dan. “What did you want to discuss with my wife?”

  Dan hesitated a moment before he spoke. “I found out some things Jay wanted to know.”

  “Like what?” Michael towered over Dan, who had stopped swinging to stare up into his face.

  “Michael, sit down,” I muttered.

  He shot me a look but did as I said, taking the other rocker and keeping his eyes on Dan.

  Dan’s face smoothed, and he rubbed his hands on his jeans. “I talked to Grace before I came home. She told me some things she’s discovered.”

  “How?” I asked.

  “She said she overheard Marla talking on the phone. She’s sure she was talking to Sylvia. Plus Grace found a letter.”

  “A letter? From Sylvia to Marla? And Marla was talking to her? When?” Had Marla talked to Sylvia and not told me?

  Dan shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask. Sorry.”

  Michael moved impatiently. “Tell Jay what she said.”

  I couldn’t help but lean forward in my chair toward Dan. “Yes, what did she say?”

  “She told me Marla is sending Sylvia money. It was in the letter.”

  His words flabbergasted me, and I frowned at him. “That doesn’t make sense. Marla wouldn’t let Sylvia blackmail me. Why would she allow Sylvia to blackmail her?”

  “She’s not being blackmailed. I told you I’m not Joe Joe’s father.”

  I couldn’t help saying the only thing that made sense. “It’s hard to believe you’re not. Michael said you told him you were the father. Probably Marla felt an obligation to support your child if you weren’t going to do it. That’s the only logical explanation.”

  Dan allowed his boots to drag again as he swung. He gave me a pitying look. “But Joe Joe is not living with Sylvia, so that doesn’t fit. And I told you, I lied.”

  “You’re not Joe Joe’s father?” Michael asked, looking interested for the first time.

  “Marla asked me to lie, so I did. I would have done anything for her — still would.”

  Michael let out a sound of disgust, his eyes sparkling with anger. “Why would she want you to lie? Quit beating around the bush.”

  I caught sight of Laurie coming down the red clay road. “Hold on. I’ll get Laurie to watch J.C.”

  “James Colton,” Michael said.
/>   But he had not objected to Laurie watching our son, so I hurried down the steps with James Colton in tow. I met Laurie at the edge of the yard.

  She had her eyes shaded with her hand. “Is that Dan and Michael?”

  “Yes. Will you take James Colton with you? I’ll tell you about it later.” I dropped my voice to a whisper.

  She nodded, but curiosity brimmed in her eyes. “I was coming over to see if you’d made it home safely.”

  “Yes, everything’s fine.” I smiled weakly at her and hurried back to the porch, anxious to hear Dan’s story.

  By the time I was seated, Laurie was already out of sight. I nodded at Dan. “You were saying?”

  Michael had gotten up and leaned against the post. Dan scratched behind his ear and let his heels hit the porch on every swing. It was getting on my nerves, and I gritted my teeth as I waited for him to continue talking.

  He brought the swing to a stop and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. Yet he still did not speak.

  I moved restlessly. “Dan Drake, you told Michael you were the father. Sylvia was very convincing that day when she said the wife of the baby’s father was seated at my table. I could have almost sworn she wasn’t lying.”

  Dan tilted his head toward me. “She wasn’t lying.”

  Michael’s face had barely registered shock before he sprang toward Dan. Dan stood and faced him, placing an arm out, pushing on Michael’s shoulder to hold him back. “Wait. Listen to me.”

  Michael knocked Dan’s hand away. I was on my feet, too, grabbing Michael’s arm as he swung at Dan. I lost my grip and stumbled backward.

  “Stop!” Dan shouted, ducking Michael’s swing. “You could hurt the baby!”

  Michael clenched and unclenched his fists, moving nose to nose with Dan, but he hesitated, throwing me a look. “James Colton isn’t here.”

  Dan eyes landed on me. “You haven’t told him?”

  “Told me what?” Michael turned to me.

  “I’m expecting,” I blurted out.

  Michael’s mouth fell open. He fixated on me, his dark eyes boring into my soul. His head tilted, and he finally spoke. “And who’s the father?”

  My heart beat wildly as I reached out a hand to him. “Michael! You are!”