All's Well That Ends Well

by Roseanne Dowell

  I hung Teddy’s clothes on the rail to dry, and Ed took us to our favorite fishing spot. After he anchored, we ate lunch, and Ed explained how to use the fishing rod to Teddy. He sure was good with kids. He should have had a dozen of them.

  “Look! Aunt Beatrice Lulu, look! I got one. I got a fish all by myself.” Teddy jumped up and down, holding an eight inch perch.

  “That’s wonderful, Teddy. Catch a couple more and we can have them for dinner.”

  “Really?”

  “As long as you and Uncle Ed clean them, I’ll cook them.”

  Hell bent on a mission, Teddy turned back to his rod. Two hours and fifteen fish later, Ed decided we had enough for dinner, and we headed back. “It’s going to take a while to clean these fish,” Ed said when Teddy objected.

  All in all, I’d say we had a good day and other than the pain in my back and ankle, I actually enjoyed Teddy and his enthusiasm. In fact, I can’t recall a day I enjoyed more. Nothing better than fresh fish.

  Later, I put Teddy to bed, read him a story, and collapsed on the couch next to Ed. “I think I’m going to call it a night also.”

  “It’s only nine o’clock.” Ed pulled me against him and kissed me.

  “I know, but I’m exhausted. You’ve got to admit it was quite a day and all that fresh air’s got me sleepy.” I could hardly hold my eyes open and the temptation to fall asleep in Ed’s arms was appealing. I cuddled against him.

  “Okay, much as this feels good, I think you’re right. Off to bed so I don’t have to wake you later.” Ed sat me up, kissed me good night, and pushed me up.

  He didn’t have to tell me twice. I went to bed.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I turned over, glanced at the clock. 5AM. What woke me? I lay there, listening. Nothing. Just the tick of the clock and swish of the curtains in the slight breeze. Something didn’t feel right. I swung my legs around, sat on the edge of the bed and listened. A strange sound came from the kitchen. I got out of bed and grabbed my robe. Good thing Ed washed it. I stuck my arms in the sleeves and wrapped it around me. At least, I tried to wrap it around me. The back strained across my shoulders, and it barely met in the middle. Damn thing shrunk. Ed must have washed it in hot water. Of course he did, that was the only way to cut the grease. I’d just have to get a new one.

  Crash! What the hell? I ran to the kitchen. Teddy lay on the floor, a chair overturned and black liquid pooled around him. I knelt down next to him. Thank God, he was still breathing.

  Ed ran into the room. “Bea, what the hell is going on? What happened?”

  I looked up and for the first time the wall caught my attention behind Ed. Streaks of black goo slid down the walls. What the hell? I stood and let Ed take over attending to a now crying Teddy. Black liquid pooled on the table, a rolling pin covered in the black goo sat in the middle of the mess. An empty jar of instant coffee sat next to an empty glass that I presumed held water. I could only attempt to assume what Teddy was doing. Painting the wall was my first guess. I had to admit, it was creative. Who would have thought to mix coffee and water to a consistency to paint? Hell, what four-year old would think to paint the walls?

  Was there no end to the mischief this boy could get into? I knew kids didn’t sleep late, but this was insane. What child wakes up at five in the morning? I couldn’t deal with this right now. I didn’t have the patience for it. Another job for Ed to clean up, and I was pretty sure the walls needed painting. I went back to bed. Somehow we had to survive one more day with Teddy. I hoped Ed had something planned.

  I couldn’t fall back to sleep. Probably had something to do with going to bed so early. I got up, showered, and dressed. By time I came back to the kitchen, Ed had most of the mess cleaned up. Teddy stood on a chair, washing the wall.

  Ed winked at me. “Morning, honey pot. Feeling better?” He poured a cup of coffee and handed it to me.

  “I see you’ve got the boy helping.”

  “Uncle Ed said I made the mess. I had to help clean it up.” You couldn’t miss the pride in his voice. “I’m sorry I messed up your walls, Aunt Beatrice Lulu.”

  I sat down, looked at Ed and back to Teddy. “What possessed you to paint the walls? For that matter what are you doing up so early? It’s still dark outside.”

  Teddy shrugged. “I always get up early. Mama said I have an intern clock.”

  “Internal clock. Yes, I believe she’s right, but why?”

  “I hear my daddy go to work and I wake up.”

  “I see, and the reason you painted the wall?” I guess it made sense. I felt for his mother.

  Teddy shrugged again. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

  “Why didn’t you watch TV like other kids?”

  “Mama said I’m not allowed to watch TV in the morning. She said kids watch too much TV.”

  “She has a point.” I looked at Ed. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

  “I thought I’d take Teddy to see Roy Turner. He’s been feeling poorly, and I thought Teddy and I could cheer him up.”

  “Great idea.” Thank God, they’d be out of my hair for a couple hours at least.

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Lottie called yesterday. She invited us to go to the winery tomorrow night.” Ed took the sponge from Teddy, rinsed it and took over the cleaning. Teddy had managed to spread the coffee into a much larger circle.

  “Do you want to go?” Yep, the wall definitely needed painting.

  “Sure, it’ll be fun.” Ed proceeded to clean the wall, making the dark circle even bigger. Finally giving up, Ed threw the sponge in the bucket and took it to the sink. “Who wants to help make breakfast?”

  “I do. I do.” Teddy raised his hand and jumped up and down.

  “I’ll leave you two to it.” Obviously Teddy needed to be kept busy.

  “Pancakes okay?” Ed pulled a chair next to the counter so Teddy could help.

  “Pancakes sound great. Call me when they’re ready.” I had some bills to pay and now was as good a time as any.

  After breakfast, Ed sent Teddy to get ready for the day. “Is there anything special you want to do when we come back?”

  “I can’t think of a thing. I’m going to Ethel’s while you’re gone. Maybe she’ll come up with an idea.”

  After they left, I called Ethel. “You up for some company?”

  “Sure come ahead. Lottie said something about stopping over, too.”

  “Okay, see you in a bit.

  * * *

  On the way to Ethel’s, a car swerved around the corner, barely missed me and slammed into a fire hydrant. Water erupted like a geyser. The driver threw open his door and took off on foot. I punched the emergency number into my phone.

  “9-1-1, may I help you?”

  “Yes, I just witnessed a hit and run.”

  “Is anyone hurt?”

  “No, they slammed into a fire hydrant.”

  “What is your location?”

  “I’m at the corner of Abbey Road and Church Street. Better send the fire department also, the street is flooding.”

  We no more than hung up and the police were there. I got out of my car and headed their way.

  “Are you the one who called this in?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened here?”

  I explained what I saw.

  “Can you describe the driver?”

  “Tall, maybe six five, give or take. Dark hair. He was wearing a light blue t-shirt and blue jeans. Best I can tell you. I didn’t get a close look at him.”

  “Car’s stolen.” The other police officer walked toward us.

  They took my personal information and sent me on my way just after the fire department arrived.

  I had a feeling there was more to it than just a stolen car. Something was going on in this town. Could be I was going to have to pay a visit to Callie. In fact, now seemed a good a time as any. I called Ethel and let her know I’d be late.

  “Callie, sweetheart,” I walked into Callie�
��s office a few minutes later. “How are you doing?”

  “Aunt Beatrice Lulu, what a surprise.” Callie stood and hugged me. “I’m good. How are you and Uncle Ed? Nothing’s wrong I hope.”

  “We’re good, thanks. No, nothing’s wrong. I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop. How’s William?”

  “William’s fine. Sit down. Tell me what really brings you here?”

  “What, I can’t visit my favorite niece?”

  Callie leaned back and laughed. “Favorite, right. I know you better than that. I don’t have time for games, give.”

  “I was wondering if there’s been a rash of car thefts lately?”

  “Car thefts? Why do you ask?”

  “Just a feeling I have.”

  “Oh. Why so?” Callie stood, came around her desk, and sat on the edge.”

  “Well, I witnessed a hit and run this morning, and Melissa and her friends witnessed someone steal a car a few weeks ago. Besides that, several cars came barreling past me lately like their houses were on fire.” I stretched my back and continued. “I followed one a few days ago and it just up and disappeared.”

  “You followed one?”

  “Um.., actually two, but one was driving at breakneck speeds, and your mother was with me, so I let them go.”

  Callie’s mouth dropped open. “And the other one?”

  “Like I said, it up and disappeared.”

  “I can’t believe you followed them. Where did it disappear?”

  “Somewhere on Sycamore Street. I went all the way to the end and the car simply vanished.”

  “Or turned into a garage more than likely. You have to stop following them.”

  “Well, one sideswiped me and I wasn’t letting him get away. I at least wanted a license plate number.”

  “Why didn’t you report it?”

  “Because he got away and neither your mother nor I got the number. What was there to report?”

  “I see.” Callie stood, which indicated my time was up.

  “You never answered me.” I refused to get up until I got the information I was after.

  “What?”

  “Have there been a rash of car thefts lately?”

  “No more than usual.” Callie opened the door, indicating it was time to go.

  I stood. “Okay, thanks.” I didn’t believe her for a minute. But I wasn’t getting any more out of her. One of these days, I’d investigate myself. I went home, disappointed.

  Ed came home just in time for lunch. I’d made a chicken casserole with the leftover chicken. Teddy seemed more wound up than usual.

  “How was your visit?”

  “Good. A little boring for our boy there.” Ed nodded toward Teddy.

  “How’s Roy doing?”

  “He’s doing pretty good. He made me laugh.”

  “Why’s that?” I set three plates on the counter and dished out the food.

  “Seems he has a catheter, and he said, ‘They gave me a box full of alcohol wipes. I’m not going to a barbeque, what am I supposed to do with them?’ I couldn’t help but laugh. Poor old guy.”

  “Oh my. Did you explain it to him?”

  “Yeah. He was a little embarrassed. But he’s in good spirits and that’s the important thing. What did you do today? Where’s your boot? Never mind.” Ed waved his hand. “I can see you took it off. You’d better not complain about it hurting.”

  “My ankle’s fine. That damn boot caused more pain than it was worth.” I explained about the hit and run. “I also visited Callie.”

  “Good grief, woman, you’re a trouble magnet.” Ed gave me a disapproving look. “You went to see Callie? What are you up to now?”

  “What makes you think I’m up to something? I swear the whole lot of you. Can’t I visit my niece without being up to something?”

  “Go wash up for lunch, Teddy.” Ed took the plates to the table. “No, you can’t. I know you better than that, Bea. You’re up to something. What did Callie have to say?”

  “Nothing, we had a very nice visit and that was that.” Okay, so it wasn’t really a visit, but it was nice. Neither of us said anything derogatory.

  Ed gave me that disbelieving look.

  “So I think we should take Teddy to the park this afternoon. Let him burn off some of that pent up energy.”

  “Changing the subject?” Ed shook his head. “That’s probably a good idea”

  Ed knew I wouldn’t continue the subject of Callie. “I want to stop at the bank and get some cash for the winery, too.”

  “How about you drop me and Teddy at the park, go to the bank and maybe stop at the paint store. Teddy and I will have a good run while you’re gone.”

  “I can do that. What do you want from the paint store?”

  “I thought we’d go up to the cabin Monday and get started on the kitchen.”

  “Do you have any particular color in mind?” Ed always let me choose everything for our house.

  “Nah, it’s your kitchen. I’ll be fine with whatever you pick.”

  After lunch, I dropped Ed and Teddy at the park and decided to pick out the paint before I went to the bank. I wanted something different in the cabin. Woodsy. Earth tones. I thought about painting the cabinets, but decided against it. I liked the clear pine that had mellowed with the years, the patina now a soft honey color. They went well with the heartwood pine floors. I loved the wide planks.

  There were so many colors to choose from, I wasn’t sure where to start. Did I want green, brown, yellow, or blue? I decided on green, but so many shades to choose from. A soft green would complement the wood tones.

  This was more difficult than I thought. When we painted our house, choices were easy. Red curtains, yellow walls, and grass green carpet in the living room with burnt orange walls, avocado appliances, and bright blue countertops in the kitchen. Bright and sunny. But the cabin was different. I wanted soft, subdued. Calm. A place to relax. A soft pistachio caught my eye. Perfect.

  I paid for the paint and went next door to the bank. I always went inside because I didn’t trust those machines. Besides, I never could get close enough to those damn things and had to get out of my car anyway.

  I counted my money, put it in my purse, and headed outside. What happened next even I couldn’t believe. I no more got to my car and something jabbed into my back. Someone grabbed my car keys. He popped the trunk and ordered me inside. Yeah, like I was going to climb in there willingly. Was he nuts?

  Apparently so, because he pushed what I assumed was a gun harder against my back. I swung my purse around. “I’ll teach you to sneak up on someone.”

  He ducked, grabbed me by the ankles and knocked me down.

  Damn, I didn’t expect that.

  “How dare you? You don’t know who you’re dealing with!” I kicked backwards and missed.

  “Stupid old lady.” He laughed the evilest laugh I’d ever heard.

  “I’ve been called a lot worse than that. Just ask my former students.” I twisted and tried to hit him. “I’ll teach you a thing or two.” Again I missed. I got up on my hands and knees, grabbed at his ankles. Walla, down he went. I climbed on top of him. He wasn’t getting away. Oh, no. “I’ve got you now.” At least I thought I did.

  Damn fool flipped me over, grabbed my arms behind my back.

  “Dumb bitch! We’ll see who teaches who.” He pulled me up, bent me damn near in half, and pushed me into the trunk.

  Fear tore through me. I tried to scream but no sound came out. I fell into the trunk, and he slammed the lid. Darkness engulfed me. My claustrophobia kicked in immediately. My breath bounced off the top of the trunk. I tried to move. My heart raced. Pressure weighed against my chest and face, like someone knelt on me or smashed a pillow over my head. I gasped for breath. Nausea rose in my throat, I gulped it back. My stomach cramped, twisted, knotted. Something strangled me, squeezed my neck tighter and tighter, cutting off my air flow. I was suffocating. God help me, I didn’t want to die. Air! I needed air.

>   My breath came in short gasps. I tried to move, but my arms were pinned under me. I swallowed and gagged. Finally, I laid still. I was going to die and no one would find me. I’d never see Ed again. Would he miss me? Come looking for me? Probably, but he wouldn’t know where to look. How soon would he realize I was missing?

  My life couldn’t end this way, could it? Suddenly reason returned. I had to breathe. I managed several deep breaths. Think. I needed to think. I twisted around and tried kicking the trunk lid. Of course it didn’t give. Tears slid down my cheeks. The trunk had a safety latch inside. If I could reach it, I could be free, or at least get some air. If I could just see. I moved my left arm, freed the other one from under me, and felt around. The latch had to be there somewhere. I pushed, pulled, and yanked everything I touched.

  At last, the lid released. Light flowed in. I held onto the latch to prevent the trunk lid from opening all the way. We were moving, and I didn’t want to alert the guy driving. At least I had air. I peeked out. Nothing looked familiar. I had no idea where we were. We’d been driving a long time. Where was he taking me? Worse, what were his plans for me? I wasn’t about to find out, but I knew he was going too fast for me to jump out. The fall would probably kill me. If a car would come up behind me maybe I could signal to him.

  I remembered my phone. If I could just find my purse. I let in a little more light, tried to position myself to look around. There, at the back of the trunk. Moving around in the confined space wasn’t easy. I caught my purse with my foot, eased it toward me as far as my foot could move. Thankfully, far enough to grab it with my free hand. I felt around inside. Success, I grabbed my phone. Within seconds I pressed 911.

  “9-1-1 what is your emergency?

  “Help, I’ve been kidnapped. I’m in the trunk of my car.”

  “Can you give me your location?”

  “I have no idea. I was at my bank on the corner of Pearl and West 14th. We’ve been driving for a while, but I have no idea which way we’re headed.

  The car slowed, came to a stop, hopefully at a traffic light. I looked out, saw the street sign. “I’m at the corner of Parkbrook and Oakpark. I’m getting out.” Now was my chance. The trunk lid sprung open. I positioned myself to jump out. Not an easy feat considering my weight, but determination overruled. No more did my feet hit the ground and a siren sounded in the distance.