Rekindled Dreams (Moon Child)

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Madge shook her head. “I think you’re crazy to step into that wasp nest but if you need closure, go ahead.”

  Dana didn’t know what she needed. She had her life on track and there was nothing those people could give her now. She pushed the rest of the salad away.

  Madge rose. “Just to let you know. Jim and I have a dinner date and then the movies. I’ll leave my phone on. The minute you have a contraction, call.”

  “Will do.”

  After Madge left, Dana studied the shelves and began a list she put on the fridge. She leaned against the cool surface. Should she go to the funeral home? Madge thought she was crazy for considering a visit but she felt a need to see her former mother-in-law. How was May handling Randy’s death? May had often quarreled with her younger son about his drinking and the stormy relationship hadn’t been good. Still, May was his mother. Losing a child must be dreadful.

  Dana placed her hand on her belly. “Should I make an appearance? Your daddy’s dead, not that you can ever claim him.” A thought stabbed. When the baby was old enough, how would she explain Randy’s rejection or the threats he’d made if she ever tried to name him as the baby’s father? She’d no doubt he would have carried out those threats. Being called a whore and an opportunist would have caused her to leave Fern Lake. She wanted to live and raise her child here where she’d grown up.

  The baby kicked. Dana nodded. She would go, speak to May and express her sympathy. The older woman needed to know someone understood mixed feelings.

  Dana walked upstairs to change into the only dark maternity dress in her closet. The dark green color made her eyes greener and flattered her coloring giving her the courage to face the other members of the Grantlan family.

  As she brushed her hair one thought nearly made her change her mind. Would Simon come for the funeral?

  Why consider the possibility? He hadn’t made an appearance in Fern Lake since the day after high school graduation. There have been no tidbits of news about him in the local paper. Also, though he and Randy were cousins, there’d been enmity between them.

  A memory from her wedding night arose. Randy had gloated over getting what Simon hadn’t taken. Her virginity.

  She grasped the railing and walked downstairs. Ten years had passed since she’d seen Simon.

  Forget the past. All she wanted was to make a quick appearance at the funeral home and speak to May.

  Chapter 2

  Simon stood at the counter of the car rental agency and felt as though he signed his life away. A sleepless night had found him regretting the agreement to return to Fern Lake for the funeral. He’d left so much unfinished when he’d walked away like a spoiled brat. Couldn’t change the past was a given.

  He leaned toward the clerk. If the man didn’t stop the sales pitch soon, the anger bubbling toward the surface would erupt in an angry tirade.

  “I don’t want a SUV. I’m not going on a road trip. Just a regular car. The one I called about.” He slapped his card on the Formica counter surface.

  The clerk smiled. “What about a luxury sedan? We have one equipped with every gadget you could want.”

  Simon’s jaw clenched. “A mid-sized sedan. The one I ordered last evening.” He groaned. Why had he agreed to go back for the funeral of a man who had treated him like dirt?

  “When was the last time you drove in the city?”

  Since most of the drive would be on an interstate, Simon felt a burn of anger. The question was useless. “Last month. Car provided by my employer.” Former but he wasn’t about to mention that to a stranger. He wished he’d had his badge to slap on the counter.

  The man ran the license and swiped the credit card. “Driving record is clean. Card is good. When will you return the car?”

  “Thursday evening or Friday morning.”

  The man slid a set of keys across the counter. “The gray sedan out front. Just sign and the ride is yours.”

  Simon glanced over the terms and signed. He grabbed his luggage and strode outside. After loading his bag, suit and sports coat, he got behind the wheel and eased into city traffic.

  Before long he hit the interstate and aimed the car for Fern Lake. Each time the odometer registered another ten miles the knot in his gut tightened. He couldn’t decide if he moved forward or back. Maybe neither. He tried not to think about his reason for leaving town the day after he’d graduated second in his class. He’d given up a college scholarship and signed up for a tour in the marines. He’d aced those tests and spent a miserable tour in the service. Dashing into situations without thinking seemed in his nature.

  A memory tickled. A female he’d dated had nailed him completely. Her face was blurred but her words were clear. “You’re an Aries.”

  “So.”

  “Means you charge into situations sword in hand.”

  She’d been right. She’s also mentioned his tolerance for assholes and that he didn’t like having a boss. That was why he had no job to keep him from visiting a place he wanted to avoid.

  The drive seemed endless. Finally he left the interstate and followed a familiar road past farms and small towns he remembered. He saw the Club perched high on a steep hill. He slowed to gawk. Where on the treacherous road with just enough room for two cars to pass had Randy crashed? Simon saw the broken guardrail and knew there’d been no chance of survival. A mile beyond the accident site he pulled into a motel where he had a reservation. With key in hand he found the room and carried his baggage inside.

  When he sank on the edge of the bed memories good and bad roared into his thoughts like a cavalry charge. Football games with cheering crowds. Dirty tricks played by the twins. Dana’s smiles. His uncle’s interrogations. The lake and his friends.

  Simon shook his head. No time for dwelling on the past. He needed to change, grab a bite and head to the funeral home to face his relatives. The viewing began at four. He planned to arrive in time to talk to Aunt May before the crowds arrived.

  Move, he thought. And he did. Off with jeans and tee shirt. On with slacks and sports coat. He found a table in the coffee shop and froze. A woman with red hair dressed as a waitress approached. Dana. His heart hammered with a staccato rhythm. As the woman came closer he exhaled. She wasn’t his former girlfriend. If he could manage this visit without seeing her he would breathe easier.

  His hands clenched. Why had she married Randy? Why had she and his cousin divorced? Would she be present at the funeral home? He couldn’t imagine Dana marrying a man she cared nothing about. But that had been years ago. Who knew how much she’d changed.

  He ordered coffee and a sandwich. The lunch lay like a brick in his gut when he left for the viewing.

  His was the fifth car in the large parking lot. He parked away from the others. The pair of dark luxury sedans had to belong to his aunt and Robert Grantlan. He figured the sleek silver sports car for Rob’s and the flashy red one as Patricia’s.

  Simon left the rental and squared his shoulders. If he faced an inquisition he needed to control his temper.

  Just inside the foyer, he halted. His sixty something uncle by marriage stood at the table where a guest book sat. Though the older man wore a suit tailored for him, slumped shoulders made the lines appear rumpled. He turned.

  “Mr. Grantlan, sorry for your loss.” Simon pressed his lips into a firm line. Years ago he had called the man uncle but not now.

  Robert Grantlan straightened. “So you came. I imagine May called you though I don’t know why.”

  Words Simon wanted to say were swallowed. He would be polite and calm. “She asked me to come. She seemed worried.”

  Robert snorted. “More of her foolishness. Afraid Senator Blan will blame Randy.” He glared. “Don’t expect a fatted calf.”

  “Why would I? I was never part of your family.” Simon shelved the urge to slug one of Fern Lake’s richest and most influential citizens. “Where’s Aunt May?”

  Robert pointed to the open door. “In there making sure everything is perfect
.” He turned his back. “Damned fool. Picked a bad time for an accident.”

  Simon walked through the open door. Something hung like a dark cloud over the older man. Wasn’t his place to ask. He stepped into the large room where chairs were set in clusters.

  “Sorry about that.”

  Simon’s oldest cousin stood just inside the door. “Father’s worried about the business. Randy was his second and the death hit Father hard.”

  Simon shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. He’s right. I never belonged.”

  “I’m sure he let you know. We all march in time to his drum,” Rob said. “You staying long?”

  “Until the funeral. Aunt May asked if I would. I’m sure she has a reason.”

  Rob chuckled. “Mom always does.”

  Simon studied his cousin. He looked every inch the successful doctor until you noticed the discontent in his dark eyes. Rob headed the medical end of the nursing home/rehab center his father had bought. Must be nice but unhappiness rolled from Rob. What Simon remembered about his cousin when he’d lived at the mansion were the stories Rob had written and sometimes shared. Guess being a writer didn’t fit the Grantlan name.

  Simon met his cousin’s gaze. “What’s going on? Aunt May sounded worried about something when she called.”

  “Randy’s death.”

  “More than that.”

  Before Rob said another word, Patricia’s shrill voice made Simon turn. “I see no reason why I can’t take Randy’s place at your right hand.” She grabbed her father’s arm.

  “This is not the right place for this discussion.”

  “Neither is the office, home or the Club. Most of my twin’s plans were mine.”

  “Just be a good girl and act like your mother. She has no need to become involved in business.”

  Patricia stamped her foot. “I can’t. I have no money. What are you going to do about my brother’s baby?”

  Robert Grantlan grasped his daughter’s shoulder and shook her. “I’m doing nothing. I want no gutter trash in my house. Once was enough.”

  Simon’s teeth clenched. He knew who the man meant. Those words brought his anger closer to the surface. He had never brought trouble to the Grantlan family. Where was his aunt? He needed to get out of here before he erupted.

  “You’re going to let her raise Randy’s baby? If I had the boy he would learn how to act.”

  “Your brother wanted no part of the child. I saw to that when I set the terms of the divorce. If she had followed orders he wouldn’t have become involved with Melanie Blan and he would be alive. Go home. No more alcohol. One drunk to clean up after is enough.”

  What had Randy done? Simon drew a deep breath. Did it matter to him? Doubtful. “Where’s Aunt May?”

  “Near the casket.”

  Simon turned toward the bier and collided with someone. “Sorry.”

  “Come to gloat,” Patricia asked.

  “Why would I do that?”

  “You always hated Randy and me.”

  “I had good reason not to want to be around you.”

  “Just because you were a jock at the local high school means nothing. Getting your name and picture in the paper didn’t thrill me.”

  Simon stepped away. The odor of alcohol on her breath made him cough. “Vodka would be a better choice. That way no one would know.”

  “Heard you were a cop. Figures you’d choose a lowlife job.”

  Simon’s hands fisted. The scars on his back itched.

  “Patricia I’d like to speak to Simon.” May appeared. She waved her daughter away and hugged Simon.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “As good as I can be. I’m so glad you came.” She led him to a corner.

  Her eyes bore the signs of tears. “What’s wrong?” Was more than Randy’s death bothering her?

  “Randy’s death has Robert scrambling and asking for something I can’t give him. His favorite child did something wrong.”

  “The drinking?”

  “That upset me and I tried to persuade him to start treatment. Robert seemed to think the drinking wasn’t a problem since Randy wasn’t a mean drunk.”

  “Randy’s problem wasn’t your fault. He was an adult and responsible for his decisions good or bad.”

  She clasped his hand. “Why don’t you leave the city and move home?”

  He slid an arm around her shoulders. “I don’t have a home here. Though you took me in after my parents died that house was never home.”

  May sighed. “Will you stay here for a few days after the funeral? Surely you have vacation or personal days.”

  He shook his head. “I quit the force.”

  “Why?”

  “Departmental politics. I was shot because my superior was impatient. I need to make decisions about my future.”

  “Can I help?”

  “I don’t know how.”

  “I have the money your mother should have inherited from our parents. I put it aside for you.” She patted his cheek.

  A group of middle-aged women arrived and drew her away. Simon edged toward the door. Fresh air was necessary. A hand clasped his shoulder. “So, Simon Parker’s finally back in town.”

  Simon laughed. “Matt Gray, how are you?” He turned to the man who’d been his best friend all through school. Simon had been Matt’s best pass receiver on the high school football team.

  “Doing great. Started my own business several months after I left the state police. Let’s find a corner and catch up. What have you been doing since you bolted out of town?”

  Simon scanned the area to see who might hear. Seeing no one he spoke in a low voice. “Marines, some college, police academy, city cop.”

  Matt stepped behind the open door. “Still a cop?”

  “Quit.”

  Matt frowned. “Come back to work for your uncle?”

  Simon laughed. “Not possible.”

  “Why did you quit?”

  Simon leaned against the wall. “Raid bombed. Partner killed. Got shot in the thigh. Head of Narcotics an asshole. My tolerance is slim to none.”

  Matt hit Simon’s shoulder. “Makes two of us. Couldn’t abide office politics so I looked for an out. Looked up a college buddy. He’s former special ops and is buddies with a computer guru. Started a security company and is offering franchises in different parts of the country. Bought in. How about you?”

  “Not sure.”

  “Come in with me. I could use a partner with the right skills. How are you with the physical end?”

  “Not bad. Three kinds of self-defense. Was a sharpshooter.”

  “What about computers and tech stuff?”

  “Some.”

  Matt handed Simon a card. “Don’t leave town without talking to me.”

  “I won’t.” Simon slipped the card into his pocket. He’d forgotten how good the friendship with Matt had been. On and off the field they had been there for each other. How could he have let the friendship drop as though it didn’t matter? “I wish.”

  “Me, too.” Matt moved away. “Got to get home to my wife and kids.”

  “You’re married? When?”

  “Six years ago. Right after college.”

  “She didn’t come.”

  Matt laughed. “Bev has no tolerance for Grantlans. She dated Randy and kneed him on the second.”

  Simon chuckled. “Good for her.”

  Matt saluted. “Call or I’ll hunt you down. I have the means.”

  Simon slid around the door to follow Matt. A crowd arrived. To offer sympathy or gloat. He didn’t care. He had to leave.

  A flash of auburn hair halted him. A woman paused in the doorway, a very pregnant woman and one he knew and wanted to avoid. Simon backed into the corner. If he stepped forward he would encounter Dana. So a divorce wasn’t all Randy had given her. Anger stirred. So she was the object of Patricia’s anger.

  Good luck, cousin. Dana wasn’t one to be pushed into something she didn’t want to do. He knew that
all to well. He also knew family way important to her.

  * * *

  Dana halted in the door way of the funeral home’s largest viewing room and fought an urge to leave. She’d thought arriving at dinner time would find just a few people. She faced a mob scene. Before she could retreat the crowd moved and she stepped forward. Had half the town decided to turn this into a social hour? From the bits of conversation she heard she didn’t think sympathy was on people’s tongues.

  Stay or leave? The debate continued as she was pushed forward. She nearly bucked the flow when her former sister-in-law grasped her arm and pulled her to the side.

  “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here, especially after what you did,” Patricia said. “You’re not part of the family. You might have married him but you weren’t his friend.”

  “He was my former husband and I tried to make the marriage work.”

  “Just don’t push what you’re carrying and try to get more money than you already have.” Patricia poked Dana’s belly with her French-tipped nails. “Unless you want to give him into my custody.”

  “Him?” Dana searched for an escape. “There’s a better than even chance the baby’s a girl since more girls are born than boys. And you know we divorced because Randy didn’t want children.”

  “Of inferior stock.” Patricia glared. “You refused his demands and ended in the cold. Or was this a ploy for money. Really dumb of you.”

  Dana straightened her shoulders. “Or smart. During the two years we were married Randy was seeing other women. He was an alley cat.”

  “Don’t go spreading lies like that around.” Patricia’s hands fisted. “We’re from the richest and best family in town. My father owns most of the place. Keep your mouth shut or you’ll be sorry.”

  No sorrier than she was now. Dana drew a deep breath. Her desire for a family had kept her in a marriage that couldn’t survive. Also her decision never to return to work as a nurse had added to her inability to walk away.

  Gooseflesh covered Dana’s arms. She tensed as if expecting a knife in the back. The odor of alcohol on Patricia’s breath was one Dana recognized from living with Randy.