Following the app we found the Cypress Bend Bed and Breakfast. It was a stately plantation style house with a deep porch running the full length of both stories. Three dormers in the pitched roof indicated it might even be three stories inside. The driveway wound through a grove of cypress trees before ending at a crushed stone parking lot adjacent to one end of the house. The lot was nearly full.
Once we got out of the car I realize how weary I was. I looked at PJ and said, "I hope there's room in the inn."
She replied tiredly, "Yeah, you and me both."
We followed the stone pathway to the expansive front porch and entrance. The door was locked, but a nearby sign indicated an after-hours bell. I pushed the button, but heard no sound inside. I speculated that it probably only buzzed in the inn keeper's quarters and not the entire house. Duh, brilliant Jack. A moment later a small, gray haired, woman wearing a festive cotton dress opened the door. Her smile was both warm and tired. "Hello, may I help you?"
PJ spoke, "We were hoping you might still have rooms available. We were returning to Hollywood, but the smoke from the wild fires has most of the routes south closed for the night."
"Oh goodness sakes, I had no idea the fires had gotten that bad. Please come in." With that she stepped back opening the door. We found ourselves in a small foyer area that immediately opened into a large living room furnished with an assortment of couches, love seats, and overstuffed chairs. They somehow seemed to coordinate in an eclectic style.
She introduced herself to us as Madeline as she took a seat at a small antique writing desk tucked into a corner of the room. She was shaking her head as she looked up from a leather bound book that appeared to be some type of guest register. "I'm sorry, we're totally booked. I wanted to check to be certain, but we are booked."
PJ said, "Well, we knew it was a long shot, but we were hoping to avoid driving all the way back to Lake Placid. Thank you for looking."
We turned and started for the door when Madeline said, "Oh wait, we do have one room available. It's the Honeymoon Suite. The folks who have it reserved called and said that they have airline problems and won't arrive until tomorrow. My husband took the call and put a note in the book here, but forgot to tell me." She looked up at us and said, "I'm afraid the Honeymoon Suite is a little expensive though."
I asked, "What is the rate?"
PJ stepped next to me and linked her arm through mine and said, "Honey, we didn't really have a honeymoon, both of us going back to work and all. Couldn't we stay, just this one night. It'll be fun."
My momentary confusion was evidently interrupted by Madeline as a concern about the cost because she said, "The room would be empty otherwise, how about I cut the rate in half and you nice folks stay with us tonight." She looked at PJ and smiled.
Truth be known I would have paid twice the regular rate to stay the night with PJ, but was happy to accept the reduced price. Besides, I certainly expected a liberated woman like PJ to pay her half. Madeline gave us a key to the suite along with directions to it's location at the far end of the second floor. She asked if we were hungry, which we were, and told us she would make a plate of sandwiches for us to take up to the room with us. We told her we would get our bag and be right back in.
As we walked to the car it dawned on me that I didn't have any bag to get. I hadn't expected an overnight stay when I left home this morning. PJ chuckled and said that she doubted anything in her "go bag" would fit, but I was welcome to try. I remembered that the night PJ had too much to drink and stayed with Elena and I at my apartment she said she always carried an overnight bag in the car. I guess it was a cop thing that just carried over.
We collected our things and returned inside to find a plate of sandwich wraps, two bowls of fruit salad, and two pieces of carrot cake on a tray sitting on a small table at the foot of the wide staircase leading to the second floor. Madeline was no where in sight. The only sound we heard was the loud ticking of the grandfather clock on the second floor landing.
When we entered the suite we both stood and gawked for a few seconds. It was expansive and elegantly furnished in a heavy Spanish Hacienda style. It wouldn't be my first choice in decorating, and judging by the look on PJ's face I didn't think it was probably her's either, but it was impressive. The king sized bed was a massive structure of burnished mesquite with a stitched leather inlaid headboard. The matching step stools positioned on each side of the bed were the only possible way a normal sized human could have gotten up on it. An armoire, chest of drawers, and mirrored dresser, all huge and ornate, completed the ensemble.
An alcove furnished with a couch, matching chair, and a large flat screen television was situated on one side of the suite and the ensuite bath was on the other. Beveled glass French doors opened onto a large private balcony. On one corner of the dresser set a bottle of champagne resting in a bucket of melting ice alongside two glasses, no doubt awaiting the arrival of the delayed honeymooners.
PJ carried the tray of food to the small table on the balcony and I brought out the champagne and glasses. PJ asked, "Think we should open that? Maybe it was a special request of the couple."
I didn't recognize the label, but it didn't look like anything extraordinary to me. Of course, who am I to know, it's not like we stock a lot of champagne around Cap's Place. I said, "Hey, it's the Honeymoon Suite, I think we're entitled to the entire experience."
With raised eyebrows PJ said, "Oh you do, do you?" I just smiled and popped the cork on the bottle.
The wraps turned out to be a delicious homemade chicken salad. We were both starved, so that no doubt contributed to our assessment of the taste. In the spirit of healthy eating I even ate my bowl of fruit salad. PJ passed on her piece of cake, so I ate it along with mine. Healthy eating can only sustain you for so long.
Once we finished eating, we both settled back into the well padded outdoor love seat we were sitting on. The evening was humid, but not overbearing, and the only sound was the serenade of millions of katydids. Much of the view was obscured by the large cypress trees, but the night sky visible was resplendent with stars. Subtle shadows, created by moon light filtered through the trees, glided on the expansive lawn. I commented, "Certainly peaceful out here. I think I could get used to this."
PJ exhaled a long breath. "Yeah, I hear you. I wonder if Madeline needs any help. I can cook and clean." A wistful expression I had never seen on PJ's face blossomed.
"I'm not as certain that Angela would find life out here in the sticks as appealing as you might."
Wistful gave way to something more akin to sadness. "Won't be long and she'll be going off to college. It'll just be little 'ol me then and life out here might work just fine."
I sipped my champagne and gave her some space before saying, "You have your overnight case, but I'm totally unprepared for this little adventure."
PJ cocked her head and with a mischievous grin said, "Guess you'll just be doing the walk of shame tomorrow." She pulled the bottle from the bucket and refilled both of our glasses before adding, "But I certainly don't presume this is the first time that's ever happened."
I frowned and said, "Oh, so that's how our honeymoon night's going to be, pick on ol' Jack."
"But Jack, there is always so much material with you." This smile brought the dimples out.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
As we finished the last sips of the champagne, it seemed as if neither of us wanted to address the elephant in the room. Finally, PJ stood and said, "I'm going in and take a shower. I won't be long and then you can have the bathroom." That certainly didn't give me much insight into what the sleeping arrangements were going to be.
I sat on the balcony and gazed out at the blackness for a few minutes. Blackness is something I only see in Hollywood when looking out to the Atlantic at night. Even that view is first obstructed by the lights on the piers and boats in the marina between Cap's Place and the ocean. No, the blackness out here was real. The moonlight only fades some of it into dull shad
es of gray. I was just starting to think I should go inside when I heard the French door open and PJ said, "Bathroom's all yours. A couple of great bath robes in there. I left the larger one for you."
PJ was wearing a fluffy white bath robe. Her hair looked like it had just been blown dry and the minimal makeup she wore was gone. She started to turn away from me, but hesitated and then said, "I can take the couch. I'm smaller than you are, so I'll fit easier."
The elephant disappeared. "No way I'm going to let you sleep on the couch. You're the brains of this outfit. You need your rest. Need to be on top of your game when we see Amanda tomorrow. I'll take the couch." She looked as if she was going to say something but I cut her off, "No arguments. You have the bed and I'll take the couch." With that I headed for the bathroom.
I was careful in folding my clothes as I undressed. After all, I'd be wearing them again tomorrow. The shower was one of those large two-person jobs with multiple heads. The water beating from all directions was actually pretty relaxing. Between the hot water and the champagne I could feel myself becoming drowsy. Given the fact that a beautiful woman I had lusted after almost continually since we first met was going to be in a bed only ten feet from where I was going to attempt sleep, I found my drowsiness both surprising and welcome. I wrapped in the remaining bath robe and carried my neat pile of clothes with me as I crossed the room to my awaiting couch. I found a blanket and pillow on the couch, no doubt contributed by PJ. I had decided to sleep in the robe since I certainly couldn't bear the thought of sleeping in the underwear I had worn all day and was going to need to wear again tomorrow. That is unless I decided to go commando.
It took me a minute to get settled in on the couch wearing the bulky robe, but I did and was just starting to relax when PJ said across the darkened room, "Jack, our sleeping arrangements may not always be like this, but for tonight . . ."
Playing the role of the gentleman, "I understand." Of course, I didn't.
I don't know how long I had been asleep when I was awakened by voices, well I thought it was voices, but it was just PJ. She was murmuring in her sleep. The murmurs were becoming more and more agitated and louder. I sat up, cinched the robe and made my way in the dark over to the bed. I spoke softly, "PJ, PJ wake up."
She turned, but kept murmuring. I couldn't make out what she was saying, but now she was starting to thrash about. Suddenly, clear as a bell she screamed, "Tim, get down. Get down!"
I stretched over the high edge of the bed and gently shook her shoulder saying, "PJ wake up, you're having a nightmare." I jumped onto the step stool to increase my reach and shook her more assertively. "Wake up, PJ."
She suddenly sat straight upright in bed and said, "What's going on Jack? What are you doing? I told you, not tonight. Can't you take no for an answer?"
I backed off the stool, nearly tripping and said, "You were having a nightmare. I was just trying to wake you." I reached over and flipped on the light on the nightstand. PJ looked down at herself, her nightshirt was soaking wet. As realization set in on her face her eyes welled up with tears.
She looked up at me and said, "I'm sorry Jack. I didn't . . . I didn't know what was going on. I'm sorry."
I held my arms open and said, "No problem. Come here, you need a hug. A friend hug."
PJ scooted over and collapsed into my arms. I could feel her heart pounding in her chest as we pulled together. She buried her head into the soft robe and sobbed faintly. I gently rubbed her back and said softly, "It's okay PJ. You're safe. You're here with me and we're safe."
After a minute the sobbing subsided and PJ raised her head reaching to the nightstand and pulling a tissue from the floral box. She dabbed her eyes, wiped the tears from her cheeks and blew her nose. Then she looked at me through red eyes and said, "I guess the honeymoon's over. I'm blowing my nose in front of you."
"No, I think that point isn't passed until you leave the bathroom door open."
PJ smiled, drew my head down and kissed me on the forehead. "You're a good friend Jack Nolan. Thank you." I nodded and headed back to my couch still hoping that someday I could move the meter from friend to something more.
I fell back to sleep surprisingly fast and the next thing I was aware of was the smell of fresh brewed coffee. I opened my eyes to see PJ standing over me holding a steaming cup. She smiled and said, "Here sleepyhead, I hated to wake you after my little episode last night, but we need to get going soon." She was dressed, and not in the same clothes as yesterday, with her hair and makeup done. She looked ready to take on the world. I sat up and took the coffee from her, only to see a light blush crawl up her neck as she abruptly turned away. That was when I realized my robe was gapping open.
By the time I was standing and my robe was securely closed, PJ was seated on the small love seat on the balcony with a steaming cup of her own in hand. I called out the door, "I'll get dressed and be right out." I carried my coffee into the bathroom where I found a disposable razor, small can of shaving cream, a toothbrush, and toothpaste sitting on the vanity.
As I walked out onto the balcony a few minutes later I was finishing the coffee. "Thanks for loaning me the toiletries. Even if my clothes are day old, my body is clean."
"Oh, I got those from Madeline downstairs when I got the coffee. I didn't think you'd want to use my toothbrush and I didn't have a razor. My bag is for overnight or freshening up during long days, not for extended periods requiring me to shave. When I went down for coffee, I asked Madeline if they had emergency toiletries in stock." With a wave of her hand, "Presto."
I asked, "Is there more coffee downstairs? I'll get you a refill."
"Actually, there is a nice breakfast spread downstairs. I suggest we go down and eat while we have the second cup. We'll need to be on the road soon if we're going to make it to Greenhaven by 10:00 a.m."
PJ was correct in her assessment of the buffet breakfast Madeline had laid out. There were two other couples in the dining area, but beyond a smile and a nod no one engaged us. That was fine with us as we were focused on having breakfast and starting our journey back to Greenhaven. We were both hopeful that we would learn something useful from Amanda. Clearly, Butch was our best bet for a potential suspect, but we needed something much more substantial to guide us in confronting him. Amanda was key and time was running out, by my calculations Freeman Robinson had eleven days to live.
The morning had dawned clear and bright. On our drive back toward Arcadia and Greenhaven we didn't even see smoke on the horizon. That bode well for our chances of getting home this afternoon. It was just a few minutes before 10:00 a.m. when we parked at Greenhaven. As we entered the front door the receptionist was just hanging up the phone. She looked up at us and said, "Dr. Burns will be right with you." She didn't smile today like she did yesterday.
We hadn't even reached the waiting chairs when the door opened and Dr. Burns came striding out. He said, "Please, let's go back to my office." His expression was dark and his greeting was less than warm. Actually, there was no greeting at all. I didn't like the vibe I was getting.
We followed the silent back of Dr. Burns as we made our way to his office and took the chairs we had occupied on our prior visits. PJ and I exchanged quick questioning glances as he took his position behind his desk. PJ said, "Good morning, Doctor. It's nice to see you again."
Before she could continue, Dr. Burns spoke with the urgent tone of someone who needed to deliver bad news and wanted to get it over, "I'm sorry you've made the trip today. Amanda has made it clear that she does not desire to talk with you today." He squirmed in his chair and looked down at the desktop as he added, "Or ever again, for that matter."
I was dumbfounded. If PJ was as surprised as me she hid it well as she asked, "Really, that's a surprise. What brought about her sudden change in attitude. Yesterday when we left she was begging us to promise to return today. Now she doesn't want to talk with us . . . ever again. That's a pretty dramatic shift in attitude don't you think Doctor?" Her words were delivered in
a calm controlled tone that I couldn't help but admire. She had to be as stunned as I was, but she certainly didn't convey it in her demeanor.
Dr. Burns was silent for a minute, but PJ waited him out. With a measured rate of speech he said, "Yes, I was surprised as well. Sometimes these things happen. We make progress and then suffer a setback. Amanda has experienced a setback. There is nothing to be done except give her time and see what happens." His words made sense, but his face said there was more to the story.
Evidently, PJ read Dr. Burns the same as I did. Her tone was neutral, but her words were direct. "What are you not telling us, Dr. Burns?"
He responded firmly, "There are issues related to Amanda's treatment that I am not at liberty to share with you. I thought that was understood." He paused, waiting for PJ to respond, but the only response he got was the direct glare of her lively eyes. He folded. "I'm sorry. She just doesn't wish to talk with you again. There is nothing I can do."
PJ nodded very slowly as if contemplating the words, not necessarily accepting them. Her tone softened as she said, "Dr. Burns, Freeman Robinson has very little time left. We believe he is innocent and we believe that Amanda may well know something that can contribute to proving his innocence. We also believe that she is aware that she has crucial knowledge. Now you are the doctor, but I think that the burden of this knowledge may well be a very significant factor in her condition. The way back for her is to release what she knows. If she does not do that before Freeman Robinson is executed she may never be able to escape the prison she has created for herself." She leaned forward and her eyes softened as she said, "We may be the key you've been looking for, all of these years you have been working with her. For Amanda's sake, don't let this opportunity slip away."
Dr. Burns leaned back into his chair and steepled his hands in front of himself. He was obviously considering PJ's words. He inhaled deeply and said, "Please understand that in many ways I agree with you. By the time you left yesterday I was very excited. I was so confident that the flood gates were going to open. Then today she made it unequivocally clear to me that she did not want to talk with you today or anytime in the future." He drew another deep breath before continuing, "I have an ethical responsibility to do what is best for my patient and in this situation it is best if you do not talk with her."
Driven Be Jack_A Jack Nolan Novel Page 22
