At Seddon Station

by Sheila Horgan

  Anna started to respond, but the look on Carolyn’s face made it very clear to the girls that Carolyn had made a decision and they were to respect it.

  They did.

  For now.

  The girls played a round of cards and then left Carolyn to have a rest.

  She fell asleep almost immediately, or so Anna surmised when she checked on her several minutes later and Carolyn was sound asleep, just the slightest sound of a gentle snore coming from her bed.

  Anna found Adeline in the kitchen, making their favorite tea.

  “How’s our Carolyn?”

  “She’s asleep. I’m not sure if it’s the stress of the note or the pill she took once the spasm started, which was probably from the stress of the note. We need to do something.”

  “I agree, but I’m not sure what it is we can do. I offered to speak to Roland. She declined. At this point, we’re at a loss. We certainly cannot do anything she does not want done. That’s not our place.”

  “Okay, you officially said that. I get it. But we need to do something. Did you see how stressed she was? It put her back right into spasm. There’s something going on here. She has a stalker at the very least. What are we going to do? Send her back to live alone with someone watching? She takes those pills, and she’s dead to the world. The doctor told her she could double up on them when she’s really having issues, and I think she has done it more than once. What if she doubles up on them and then the person with the note shows up?”

  “That’s a very disquieting thought, but I’m not at all sure there’s anything to be done of it, other than to make sure we do not leave her alone.”

  Anna’s frustration was building. Why was Adeline so reticent to help?

  The answer came before she could formulate the question.

  “I would be very displeased if I asked my friends not to probe any aspect of my private life and they were to take it upon themselves to do just that.”

  “Valid point. Still, I worry.”

  Adeline had to take a call, which gave Anna a moment to think. She started searching on her phone right away.

  For what, she wasn’t sure. Where it would lead her she couldn’t guess.

  She started with Seddon Station. Found one in Victoria, but that didn’t seem right. Australia was a little bit far afield. She searched again.

  Anna found that Palm Harbor was originally known as Seddon Island. Not a lot of information about it, really. But it just felt like she was on the right track.

  That thought—track—led her to the railway station. Wasn’t it a train station where Carolyn and Emerson had their big drama?

  She found information on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which ran from about 1900 until 1967. It seemed to fit. Back then Air Line meant that the route was the shortest distance between two points. Kind of like “as the crow flies.” The railroads would use the term in their name to promote the fact they were the quickest way to get where you wanted to be. Seems the railroad had pretty much fallen off the map in the sixties, but until then it made sense.

  Anna wondered if maybe Seddon Station was a term the locals used for a railroad terminal near what is now Palm Harbor.

  The more she thought about it, the more sense it made.

  Did someone see Carolyn’s drama with Emerson back then, and if they did, why would they wait until now to mention it?

  She was about to start another search when Adeline came back into the room.

  “I had a thought.”

  “What was that, Adeline?”

  “What happened to Emerson’s sister?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Remember when Carolyn was telling us the story of the railway station. Did she not say that Emerson’s sister had accompanied her to the station? That it was planned the sister would make her excuses to allow Emerson and Carolyn to have their evening?”

  “Yes, I think that’s what she said.”

  “Who else would be at the station? We’re assuming for the sake of argument we are talking about the rail station in which Carolyn was devastated by Emerson, correct?”

  “I looked that up. Just a bit of curiosity, really. Palm Harbor was once referred to as Seddon Island. There was a railroad there. I’m having problems determining just how much construction was done and when development was done. Some accounts say it was a thriving business district, and some indicate it never really got off the ground. I don’t recall being aware of it then, but my husband and I hadn’t moved to this area yet, I don’t think.”

  “I was not living here then, either. I think it best if we talk to Carolyn when she’s more settled and see if perhaps we can help her solve this little mystery. I do not think it wise for her to go back to her home just yet. Whoever left the note obviously knows where she lives. It makes me quite uncomfortable.”

  FIVE

  CAROLYN WAS VERY careful of her movements when she joined the girls in the kitchen for dinner.

  “I could have brought this in to you, hun.” Anna put another plate on the table.

  “I’ll never get better if I don’t start moving around.”

  Adeline pulled out Carolyn’s chair. “I would argue you have done well. The doctor said bed rest will help with the swelling, and the goal was no spasms. Until earlier today, you had a marked improvement.”

  “Yes, I’m sorry I caused you girls any concern. That note was a bit of a shock, as you can imagine.”

  “Did you want to talk about it, or do you want us to pretend we’re ignoring it?” Anna smiled.

  “There’s really nothing to talk about. I told you girls about Emerson. I told you about the train and our having several meetings after that.”

  Anna didn’t want to ask if Carolyn had actually had an affair with Emerson. She didn’t think anyone would be stalking her friend after all these years if it hadn’t been—at the very least—a very lengthy affair. Her curiosity just might kill her, but she refused to give in to it. She was well aware if she were a few years—or decades—younger, it would be more important to have her questions answered than to allow Carolyn the control she needed.

  Kids these days wouldn’t hesitate to ask any question entering their minds. That simply wasn’t done in her time, and she wasn’t going to change now. The time would come for Carolyn to share what she felt was appropriate.

  She’d wait.

  If she could.

  If the suspense didn’t kill her.

  Her imagination was probably much better than the truth anyway.

  Adeline interrupted her thoughts with a question. “Carolyn, do you know if Emerson’s wife is still alive? Maybe she’s local.”

  Carolyn shrugged.

  Anna shook her head. “Even if she were still alive and mobile and local, that would beg a couple more questions. How could she possibly know that Carolyn was at the cemetery just a couple of weeks ago?”

  “A good question.” Adeline conceded.

  “How would she know where she lives? She couldn’t follow her back to her condo from the cemetery because first she was in the hospital, then we came home on a private plane, and she’s been staying here.”

  “Good questions, all.” Adeline took a bite of her dinner. They’d been so intent talking that her food was getting cold.

  Carolyn was very quiet. “There’s a much more pertinent question haunting me.”

  Anna put down her fork. “What?”

  “There are only two people in the world that know the pet name Tinker. Coop and me. Coop has passed. I was here. Who left the note?”

  “Surely there must be someone else. Was it a nickname from your childhood? Maybe your husband used the term in front of someone else, and you just forgot.”

  Carolyn shook her head. “That was part of the fun of it. We never, not ever, used our pet names in front of another living being. Not once. That promise was sacred to us. I know it’s silly, but I know he would never share it with anyone. I know I didn’t.”

  “What about your kids? I’
m not suggesting they would leave the note, but maybe they said something to someone. You know how kids do.”

  Carolyn shook her head. “Not even in front of the kids. I’m sure of it.”

  Anna tried to lighten the mood. “Well, that should narrow the field. We’re looking for a psychic stalker. How many could there be?”

  Carolyn smiled, but the smile never reached her eyes. Mostly, she looked sad, not concerned or even scared.

  The girls shared a quiet evening. They watched a little television. Had a light dessert of fruit and tea and retired early.

  Anna didn’t allow herself to use her phone or the computer. She steadfastly stayed with a book and read words she would never remember in the morning.

  Adeline checked in with her grandchildren. They were spending a great deal of time together at the big old house she no longer cared to live in. The kids were getting to know each other and finding their pecking order. Each of them had different areas of interest, which would be useful. To date, there had been no great drama, but her team was watching, and sooner or later, the newness of the whole situation would wear off, and she would have a better idea of how she would move forward.

  Her youngest daughter would be home again in just a few days. Genevieve was well aware of the circumstances and agreed it was a glorious plan to skip a generation in their branch of the family tree and move directly to this younger generation. She knew of the misdeeds of her older siblings, and although she shared nothing with them other than their mother, she was disgusted they were members of her family.

  Genevieve was a proud woman. She had always lived with integrity and a passion for doing the right thing. She recently left the military and was excited to command the family troops.

  With her military background, Adeline had no doubt her group would fall in line. She smiled at the thought. Her grandchildren. Some were more disciplined than others, but none of them would be considered high achievers. They were a group of kids given the world with no reciprocity expected. They had met those low expectations with great aplomb.

  Carolyn found herself in bed, staring at the ceiling. She tried to occupy her mind with anything but her memories.

  When math problems and songs didn’t do the trick, she took two of her pain pills and was asleep before she could deliberate the wisdom of her actions.

  When Adeline and Anna came into the kitchen, Carolyn was already there. The tea was made, as was breakfast.

  “This doesn’t qualify as bed rest, Carolyn.” Anna hurried to help carry the plates to the table.

  “I’m tired of it. I got an excellent night’s sleep last night. I’m not going to lift anything heavy—I didn’t even lift the milk container—but I am not going to give in to this silly business any longer. I feel fine, and I intend to continue feeling fine.”

  “If only it were that simple.” Anna smiled at her friend.

  “Mind over matter and all of that.” Adeline pulled out Carolyn’s chair without comment.

  Carolyn sat carefully. “One of the nurses at the hospital told me she had almost the same problem with her back I have with mine. She said she had seen all kinds of specialists, and after threats of everything from wheelchairs to major back surgeries, she found a doctor that told her to practice intentional breathing and ice therapy. It had been the only thing to help her. Such will be my approach moving forward.”

  Anna shook her head. “So your approach to major back issues is to breathe and get yourself an ice pack?”

  “An ice blanket.”

  “What’s an ice blanket?”

  “I ordered one online. It’s actually used by restaurants to keep their food cold in transit. Or at least that’s where I found it. The nurse gave me the information, which is good, because I never would have found it otherwise. It’s a flexible blanket made up of little windows of some sort of liquid that freezes. It’s about as wide as my shoulders and as long as I am.”

  “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  “Nor had I. I’m hoping it will fit in my freezer. If not, I may have to invest in one of those little chest freezers. I’m not sure where I’ll put it. I’m sure it will be fine. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”

  Adeline allowed one eyebrow to rise. “We have more than enough space in the freezers here, Carolyn.”

  “Yes, but I’m taking delivery at my little condo. I have taken enough energy from the two of you girls already. It’s time for me to go home.”

  Anna put down her spoon. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

  “I appreciate all you girls have done for me, but I think it’s time to get back to a more normal life. I need to be home. This loft is lovely, and you have both done so much for me, but I need to be home.”

  Adeline took Carolyn’s hand. “I understand. But please, allow me to have a nurse check on you daily.”

  Anna didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all. What if the crazy guy with the note showed up at the condo again? On a good day, a mature woman is no match for a man. Carolyn wasn’t having many good days right now.

  “Thank you, but no. I don’t need a nurse. I can call my Suze or A.J. if I need them to pick up anything. I feel like I’ve done nothing but take, take, take. I’m not comfortable with that. I’ll ask one more favor; then I will give the two of you a break from taking care of me.”

  “Anything.” Anna’s staunch support, even while she obviously didn’t agree, warmed Carolyn’s heart.

  “I just need a ride to my condo. Suze will be by this evening with some groceries. I’ll have all I need.”

  “You are certain we can’t talk you out of this?” Adeline asked.

  Carolyn smiled. “Very.”

  Anna took a deep breath. “Well then, let’s get you settled at home.”

  It took a couple of hours, but the girls worked well together.

  Anna had insisted on putting clean sheets on Carolyn’s bed. “You just sleep better on fresh sheets. It will only take me a minute.”

  Adeline organized a quick snack. “A warm cup of tea will help you relax. The absolute goal is no more spasms. You seem to do quite well when your back is relaxed. Perhaps a daily therapeutic massage?”

  “No, thank you. I’d rather not have a stranger rubbing my body parts outside of a spa. There’s just something about that…”

  Anna laughed. “We could call my brother-in-law. I’m sure he’d be happy to oblige.”

  The look on Carolyn’s face was priceless.

  Adeline and Anna couldn’t help but laugh.

  Was there a chance that Carolyn was actually attracted to the man? She’d heard a lot of stories about him, and he had come to their rescue, if only by giving permission to use his name and persona. Anna didn’t ask.

  There was a knock on the door.

  Turning to Carolyn, Adeline seemed almost sheepish. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t stand the thought of you being here alone all day without proper provisions. They’re right on time.”

  Two of Adeline’s runners entered the condo, smiles on their young faces. Adeline directed them to the kitchen and then explained to Carolyn the groceries were enough to get her started. There were also several prepared meals so she wouldn’t have to cook.

  Anna smiled. “I put a little booze on the list—that might help with your spasms—but remember, you can’t drink and take pills at the same time.”

  Carolyn shook her head. “This really wasn’t necessary.”

  The runners unloaded the bags onto the counter, and Anna started to put the groceries away while chatting. “Most things in life aren’t necessary, Carolyn. It’s those very things that sing the true tune.”

  Adeline and Anna left about half an hour later.

  It was Adeline that broke their unspoken promise. “I made a judgment call—I know it’s wholly inappropriate and you may very well be angry—but I just couldn’t stand back and do nothing. I concede this is exactly opposite what Carolyn requested, but not every r
equest can be honored.”

  “You want to try to run that by me again? In English this time.” Anna hugged her friend.

  “I called Roland. The condo will be under very surreptitious surveillance.”

  Anna blew out a breath.

  Adeline took that as disapproval.

  Before either of the girls could say another word, they heard quite a commotion coming from Carolyn’s neighbor’s condo. “Is that the one with the granddaughter?”

  Adeline concentrated. “I’m uncertain. I believe so.”

  “Well, that’s just wrong. Listen to her yell at ’em. We were going to do something about her, but we dropped the ball. Remember?”

  Adeline nodded while trying to hear exactly what was going on inside the condo.

  Yelling at elders was wrong on every count, but at least they didn’t hear anyone throwing or hitting anything or anybody.

  Anna got a huge smile on her face. “I suggest you call Roland. He can pay attention to this situation. When we explain this to Carolyn, we have simply picked the ball back up. If Roland’s people happen to catch the bad guy trying to mess with our Carolyn while they’re surveilling the condo with this troubled granddaughter, well, Carolyn can hardly be upset about that.”

  Adeline laughed. “Anna, your mind is quick.”

  Anna smiled.

  Adeline continued. “And frightening.”

  The girls continued down the hallway, and by the time they reached Anna’s car, Adeline was on the phone talking with Roland. She advised him that Berta was the condo gossip; she recalled that from a conversation with Carolyn. Talking to Berta might get them more information about the whole situation, but they would need to tread lightly. Adeline didn’t want Roland’s people raising the alarm and getting the whole building talking.

  After a few more questions back and forth, Adeline ended the conversation with Roland, asking him to call her immediately if there were any troubling events.

  “You have a hell of a memory, Adeline. I’d forgotten all about Berta.”