Finding Elizabeth

by Louise Forster

“Um, yes.” She signalled for Jack to come to the counter. “I’d like you to meet Jack Riley. He’s looking for someone and he’s hoping you or some of the patients may be able to help.”

  “Ah, Jack, you called early this morning. Nice to meet you,” Aileen extended her hand.

  “Thanks for allowing me this opportunity,” Jack said, taking her hand.

  “Okay, you two are set then. Before I go and orientate myself, what’s going on with Peggy? What happened?” Katherine asked, leaning forward on the counter.

  Aileen looked around. Satisfied they were alone, she moved closer. “Peggy’s dickhead son is a shallow conniving lying bastard. He dumped Peggy’s dog at the Animal Rescue.”

  Katherine gasped. “Not Bubbles! What a prick. No wonder Peggy is distraught. Is it all right if I go and see her?”

  “Sure you can. Everyone’s tried to get Peggy to eat and drink. Go in and give it your best shot.” Aileen pulled out a box of tissues from under her desk. “You’ll need this.”

  After leaving Jack with Aileen, Katherine headed down the long hall to Peggy’s suite, thinking how much she adored the senior citizens, and Peggy was just lovable. The few times Katherine managed to visit the lodge, Peggy always asked to see her.

  She pressed her ear against the door, heard Peggy blow her nose and then knocked.

  A feeble voice called out, “Go away!”

  “Peggy, it’s Katherine. Can I come in?”

  “I don’t care, I’m not eating,” Peggy said, determined.

  “I wouldn’t make you. Please, Peggy.”

  “Fine, whatever,” Peggy said, her voice dry, gravelly.

  At the sound of Katherine walking in, Peggy turned to look from where she sat curled up in a recliner chair, a fleecy blanket over her knees. The betrayal Katherine saw in Peggy’s bleak, sad eyes made her want to cry. Slowly, Peggy turned away to stare out the picture window that overlooked the snow-covered garden. But going to pieces wasn’t going to help anyone. Be calm … stay calm. Peggy needed strength right now, someone to talk to, someone to sit with her without nagging.

  Grabbing a chair, Katherine joined Peggy at the window. A small round table with a tea tray and plate of cookies stood to one side. Peggy was gazing at a gardener, a string of lights over his shoulder, as he carefully leaned a ladder against a fir tree.

  “This could be fun,” Katherine said.

  “If he falls on his rear, it will be the best thing to happen all week.” Peggy blew her nose and sniffed.

  “That’s very unlike you, Peggy. He’s a rookie.” Katherine suppressed a giggle. “Someone should warn him.”

  The gardener climbed his ladder; it bounced against the unstable bending branches.

  “Uh uh.” Peggy croaked. “He can’t possibly hurt himself, he’s so green. Besides there’s a pile of snow the idiot can fall into.”

  The tip of the tree swayed. A lump of snow the size of a small car fell and hit the rookie. He dropped everything and, hanging from outstretched arms, he clung to the tree, dangling three metres off the ground.

  After a quick gasp, Peggy cackled.

  “I’d better go warn someone,” Katherine laughed and made ready to get up.

  But Peggy slapped a bony hand on her arm. “It’s all right. Look.”

  A man came running out from inside the lodge.

  “Jack!”

  He grabbed the ladder and wedged it up between the rookie and the tree. Holding the ladder with one hand, he waved the other, gesturing advice.

  “This is like watching Dumb & Dumber,” Peggy said, humour in her voice.

  This comic relief was just what Peggy needed.

  One hand at a time, the rookie let go of the tree and grabbed the ladder. His foot found a rung, and Jack called out encouragement as he descended. The rookie gathered his string of lights half buried in snow. While chatting with Jack, he wound the lights up around thumb and elbow. Judging by all the nodding and pointing, they were working out a safe plan of action to get the lights up on the tree.

  “I’d be surprised if that young man agrees to go up the ladder again,” Katherine said. She poured two cups of tea from the tray and, without a word, handed one to Peggy, who took a sip and then another. Peggy peered down at her cup. A cheeky smile eased into her wrinkled face and understanding warmed her eyes.

  “You’re better than any of ’em,” Peggy said, grief slowly returning.

  “I heard what happened, Peggy. I’m so sorry.” Katherine picked up the photo of Bubbles propped on the windowsill. “She’s adorable. How could anyone resist that sweet little face. Someone will see her, fall in love and give her a good home.”

  Peggy gave her a look that said, Yeah, right.

  “What can I do to ease your worries?”

  “Drive out to the shelter and make sure Bubbles is all right. Tell her I miss her.” Peggy’s mouth trembled and glistening tears rolled down her face. “Tell her I’m so sorry for letting this happen.”

  “Peggy, Peggy, it will be okay. Bubbles will be okay, I’ll make sure of it.” Katherine gave her a quirky smile. “As soon as I’ve had breakfast. Care to join me?”

  “That’s blackmail, coercion, and twisting an old lady’s arm—but I’ll do it.”

  “Good, I’ll get something brought in. What’re you having—porridge?” She gave Peggy a wink and closed the door.

  Hurrying down the long hall, Katherine caught up with Jack in the lunch room. She took him aside and explained what she’d promised to do.

  “It shouldn’t take me long. If you like, I can come past and pick you up on my way home.”

  “Sure, I’ll be here for a while. Great bunch of people, but I’m not getting anywhere,” Jack laughed. “I’m hearing lots of stories though. Someone should take them down so they won’t be lost forever.”

  “You’re right, someone should.” Katherine waved and took off.

  Parking was easy at the animal shelter—the barking and howling, disturbing. Katherine locked her car and walked in. She asked the young woman at the reception desk if she could see Bubbles. Katherine waited for a volunteer to lead her to the dog enclosures. As they walked past cages the barking and howling intensified. She assumed they were caged like this because space was scarce and they needed to keep them inside during the winter months. Still, it was horrible, and Peggy’s sweet little Bubbles was in here too.

  The volunteer pointed to a large, damp concrete cell, caged at the front, then left. Katherine read the nametag on the door. Bubbles. She peered inside trying to see something through the gloom. A bulky bundle lay in the back corner. The poor thing must be cold and hiding under a pile of blankets. Was this even the right dog? There was only one way to find out.

  “Bubbles?” An ear pricked up, but nothing else moved. “Bubbles.” The tip of her tail gave a little wriggle.

  Katherine looked around for help or encouragement, but apart from the relentless yapping there was no one around. She was on her own. She opened the cage, crept in and sat down; no point in rushing this. She pulled out her iPhone and, while talking in quiet, soothing tones she passed the time playing Sonic The Hedgehog. “Oh dear,” she said softly, “lost again. Never mind, Bubbles, I’ll be here for a while and I’m bound to win once, aren’t I? Sure, Bubbles, sweet girl.”

  Twenty minutes later the pile of blankets tentatively moved towards her.

  “Holy shit!” Katherine whispered.

  Bubbles heard, and dropped to her belly.

  There were no woolly blankets; all of it was dog and nothing like the cute picture in Peggy’s room. Bubbles whined; It seemed like a cautious whine. Her head stayed between her paws on the floor. Katherine’s heart was breaking for this gentle sweet dog. No wonder Peggy was so distraught. Bubbles was loved and nurtured and didn’t have a clue why she was here or where Peggy was. Not making eye contact, Katherine started talking soothingly again, saying her name, repeating that she was a good girl … waiting for Bubbles to make another move closer. She didn’t care tha
t her bum was becoming a block of ice.

  Half an hour later, Bubbles crept forward. Nervous shivers wracked her body as she edged closer on her belly. It broke Katherine’s heart to see Peggy’s dog in such misery. Bubbles crept ever closer, and finally laid her enormous head in Katherine’s lap, surprising Katherine with her trust.

  “The privilege is all mine,” Katherine murmured. Overcome with love and understanding, she let her tears fall and slowly placed a hand on Bubbles’ soft head. “You wouldn’t leave anyone, would you? No, you’d never do that, but that cold heartless piece of shit left you—the bastard. I know what that feels like. Not Peggy, of course.”

  Hearing Peggy’s name, Bubbles lifted her head and peered out past the cage. Waiting for Peggy to appear, her expressive eyebrows made little points that moved as she looked this way and that.

  “I can’t leave you here,” Katherine sighed. “I just can’t.”

  Twenty minutes and half a bag of dry dog food later, they were out the door, headed for her car. Katherine opened the back door, and Bubbles jumped in complete with lumps of snow she’d picked up on her paws. Okay. Need a doggy upholstery protector. She probably needed a truckload of things she didn’t even know about yet. She slid behind the wheel and peeked at Bubbles in the rear view mirror. She was cute, but good lord, now she had a dog—not a little dog, but a huge Newfoundlander that took up most of the back seat.

  The moment Katherine started the engine, Bubbles howled like a dog possessed. Katherine stopped the car, turned the ignition off and tried again. It made no difference. The din was so loud she turned the volume up on her CD player, but that made matters worse. It had turned into a competition between Bubbles and Carreras. Katherine turned the radio off and her new dog was quiet.

  “What!” Katherine swung around. “You don’t like opera?” She switched CDs. Bubbles was quiet for a while until Cold Play hit a certain note and she began to howl again. Katherine sighed, turned the music off, adjusted her seatbelt, and headed back to the Lodge.

  Before getting out, she gave Bubbles’ head a rub and told her not to eat the car seats. Walking into the lodge she found Jack talking to Aileen at reception.

  “Hi,” Katherine said. “I’ll just go and have a word with Peggy.” She hurried down the hall.

  She knocked on Peggy’s door. “Come on in. The crisis is over,” said Peggy.

  “Well, that sounds a lot better,” Katherine said. “And you’re smiling.” She took a closer look. “Smiling and crying. What’s going on?”

  “The shelter rang me and said Bubbles had a new forever home. I hope they treat her well.”

  “Yeah, I sure will,” Katherine nodded. “Surprise. Meet the new owner.”

  “You—you have Bubbles?”

  “Yes, she’s in the car waiting for me to take her home.”

  “Oh Katy, you’re always there for me. Can I see her?”

  “I don’t see why not. I’ll arrange it with Aileen.” Katherine kissed Peggy’s cheek, and said, “I’ll come around to your window.”

  Katherine trudged through snowdrifts trying to hang onto Bubbles, who forged ahead with large, hairy feet that were a real asset. When they came to Peggy’s window, she was waiting. Bubbles went berserk, yapping and jumping. Peggy laughed and cried and motioned towards the entrance.

  “Yeah, see you there,” Katherine mouthed.

  Dragging the one-hundred-and-fifteen pound dog from her owner’s window was, Katherine quickly discovered, impossible. She dropped the lead and moved away, hoping Bubbles would follow. The dog looked confused; her saviour was leaving and her loyal owner had disappeared again. She sat in the snow and howled. Katherine coaxed her to come and, ears flat, Bubbles reluctantly padded over. Together they headed for the front doors. “When we get there I want you to sit like a lady. No bouncing and charging.”

  A nurse helped Peggy with her coat and warm boots. Rugged up against the cold, Peggy came out, and Bubbles shivered and whimpered with excitement. Katherine closely watched the scene unfold before her.

  “You’re a good girl, Bubbles, yes you are. So well behaved,” Peggy crooned and cuddled her dog. “You’re Katy’s now. And I know you’ll have a loving home.” Bubbles licked the tears on Peggy’s face.

  The news attracted everyone from within the Lodge. They lined up, peering through the glass doors to see what was happening. Judging by their smiles, they were happy for Peggy.

  Jack stood to one side, a big grin on his face.

  “You are blessed,” Peggy said. “Bubbles will look after you. I lived alone for decades, didn’t like it one bit, always worried, especially at night. Soon as Bubbles came into my life, I never had another worry. You’ll be good for each other.”

  “Thank you, Peggy. I love her already. You’re starting to shiver, please go inside. I’ll come by often with Bubbles.”

  “Thank you.” Peggy reached up and kissed Katherine’s cheek, and the top of Bubbles’ head before the nurse helped her shuffle indoors.

  “And you’d better have dinner or there’ll be hell to pay!” Katherine yelled.

  As the doors closed behind her Peggy waved a dismissive hand.

  Katherine signalled to Jack, making driving motions. Jack bundled up in his cold weather gear and came out.

  “You’ve created quite a buzz through Happy Lodge.”

  “Are you being sarcastic or was that comment for real?”

  “No,” Jack shook his head, “I’m not joking. For the most part, they’re a happy lot.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” Katherine headed back to her car. “Where would you like me to drop you off?”

  “The library, if you wouldn’t mind.”

  Belted up and ready, Katherine crept out of the parking lot and onto the road back into town.

  “How did you go in there—any leads?”

  “No, nothing.”

  “That’s a shame.”

  “I met some great people who wracked their brains trying to come up with someone. They even skewed the truth in an effort to help me find any Ellie or Nellie,” Jack laughed.

  “They’re sweet to want to make your trip a success.” Katherine turned in to the kerb. “Here you are, the Library.”

  “Thank you.” Jack turned to face her. “Can I buy you coffee or dinner? Better still, take you to the dance?”

  “Thank you, but no. I’ll always remember this day though. It’s been more eventful than I could’ve imagined. I have a dog, and you saved the maintenance lad from falling on his arse.” She shook his hand. Nice, firm hand too. “Good luck with your search, Jack.”

  “Thanks, be seeing you.” Jack stepped out of her car and closed the door.

  Idiot, Jack thought, as he watched Katherine drive off. You’re letting her get away. Not that he could do anything about it. He needed to get his head out of the clouds and get on with his search—right now. He jogged up the library steps. Pushing the heavy library doors open, he stepped inside, grateful for the blast of warmth. A large Christmas tree, lights winking and blinking, stood in the reception area, its pine scent combining with the smell of leather-bound tomes and aged paper. It reminded him of university days and cramming as much information into his mind as precious time would allow.

  A young mother with a couple of toddlers was at the counter exchanging books. After they moved away, Jack stepped forward and introduced himself to the trendy blonde librarian behind the enquiry desk.

  “I phoned from Australia about the local papers on file.”

  Her intense hazel eyes studied him. “Yes, of course, Mr Riley.” She turned to her assistant. “Helen, did you get Mr Riley’s files and papers for him?”

  “Yes, it’s all set up down the back. I’ll show you where.” Helen—tall, dark haired, brown-eyed, slender, exotic and efficient—smiled warmly and put down the books she was about to shelve. She came around the desk and said, “All the information is ready for you. Unfortunately, some late issues of the local paper haven’t been catalogued ye
t.” She ushered him to a deserted section of the library where large bound volumes of newspapers lay in neat piles on a table next to a computer.

  “You’ll find everything you need right here.”

  “Thank you, you’ve all been very helpful. Are you a local, lived here all your life?”

  “No, sorry. I can’t help you with your search. I’ve only been here three years.” Helen pulled at the hem of her jacket, and added, “I’ll leave you to it. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thanks again,” Jack said, turning to the stack of material he had to work through.

  The unwieldy volumes of bound newspapers made the computer seem an easier way to start. File after file showed nothing. As a last resort, he hunted through the local papers, starting at 1960. Halfway through the pile of that year, a front-page photo of a group of girls caught his eye. The local hockey team had won the district finals. He glanced at the list of names below, and one leapt out at him; Margaret Johnson second from the left, top row. The faded photo was so bad, he couldn’t tell from Margaret’s features if Katherine looked like her.

  Jack rubbed his face and mumbled into his cupped hands, “This isn’t getting me anywhere.”

  He stretched, put his hands behind his head, and arched his back. Frustrated, he took a deep breath and then blew it out through soft lips. The bound volume of 2011 sat in front of him. He might find an anniversary or a celebration in the personals. He pulled the last volume towards him. Leafing through, he came across the obituary of Katherine’s father.

  Henry Bell, passed away after a fatal accident on December 14th 2011. Survived by his loving wife Margaret and daughter Katherine.

  Katherine had courage, and strength. Was she vulnerable? He didn’t know her that well. Nevertheless he had the urge to protect her from whatever made her wary. Out in the open, her blue eyes were constantly on the alert, which made him edgy. Next time they met—if there was a next time—he’d have to be careful about his approach. He didn’t want to add to her unease. But there was no doubt Katherine Bell moved him.

  “I don’t know about you, Bubbles, but I could sure do with a strong, hot coffee.” Closing the door behind her, Katherine looked down at her dog, who seemed to await instructions while standing in four little puddles of melting snow. “Shit!”