Looking up from the bench, Karina smiled as Ranger greeted her grandfather with a wet tongue and wagging tail. Grampa stood a few feet away, cup of steaming coffee in one hand, a banana in the other. Patting the seat next to her, Karina nodded. “Of course not.”
“There’s a chill in the air, so I thought you might need somethin’ to warm your bones and healthy to fill your belly.”
“I believe I’m supposed to take care of you, not the other way around,” Karina chuckled as she took the hot mug and fruit.
“That’s a load of swill, Karina Ruby. Your gram and I may be long in the teeth, our vision and hearin’ on the fritz, but our minds are still sharp and limbs functionin’. The Magnolia ain’t a nursin’ home you know.”
Heat rushed to Karina’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean it like that, Grampa.”
“I know you didn’t, sugar. Forgive me. I’m not myself today.”
Reaching out for his hand, Karina brought it to her lips and gave it a gentle kiss. “Please, Grampa, don’t apologize. I completely understand. None of us are.”
“No, ain’t none of us feelin’ spry this mornin’. We all woke up in a weird, new world minus some important people in our lives and some with broken bones. How long do ya have to wear the cast?”
“That we did…and a few weeks. Again, I’m so sorry. About everything.”
Junior gave a final squeeze and then let go of Karina’s hand. Reaching inside his pocket, he extracted a slender cigar and lit up. “No need to apologize for the actions of others. Cecil never should have gone out there alone, knowin’ what he did beforehand. What he shoulda done was tell the police the truth in the beginnin’. Brandon and Brice woulda been arrested and none of this other nightmare woulda happened. It’s just a miracle he woke up long enough to push the panic button on his necklace before the fire made it across the yard. At least he didn’t die alone. I’m glad you and your ma were with him.”
A lump of tears pressed against Karina’s throat, so she took a long gulp of coffee. “Me too. You shouldn’t be smoking. If Gram—”
“Leave it be, Karina. It ain’t like she don’t know. She just keeps her opinions to herself. She likes to let me believe it’s my little secret.”
Karina took a bite of banana and let the comment slide about secrets.
“Lord-a-mercy, once again, drugs are responsible for ruinin’ so many innocent lives. That lifestyle changed people who I thought were kind into monsters. It’s just so hard to believe Brandon and Brice got caught up in it. They shoulda just stuck with farmin’. It may not make you rich, but it certainly is an honorable way to live.”
Karina said nothing as she watched Ranger chase a blue butterfly.
“I didn’t come out here to lament my troubles. I’m an old man, and that means I’m used to friends dyin’, though usually it happens because of health reasons. What I’m havin’ trouble with more than anythin’ is Cecil didn’t trust me enough to tell me what happened. I just can’t figure it out. Anyway, enough of that. How are you holdin’ up, sugar? I know you grew close to Bo durin’ the past six months.”
Biting her lip to keep from saying something she shouldn’t, Karina took a deep breath. “I’m sort of numb, Grampa. Guess I still haven’t processed everything yet.”
“It’s a lot to take in; that’s for sure. I know you’re missin’ him, just like I’m missin’ my friend, but hang on to the good times and remember him as the man who cared for you and tried to save Cecil’s life. It takes quite the man to step in front of a bullet for a loved one, but when done for an acquaintance, well, that speaks volumes about his character.”
A flicker of anger licked up Karina’s chest at the colossal joke known as Bo Barton’s character. “I will.”
“Did you get any sleep last night after the detectives left? What was it, after ten?”
Karina shook her head. “Not much. I think in the beginning they suspected I knew about Brice making and selling meth, so they hammered me about it until they realized I didn’t. Then they kept asking if Cecil had ever mentioned to me what the Bartons did to him on his property years ago and if I believed the story Cecil related to them about going out there with a shotgun for protection only, rather than to settle an old score. I know it’s their job, but they didn’t even stop to consider how painful all this was for me.”
“Yeah, they asked me and Ruth the same thing. Ha, for a minute, I thought your gram was gonna punch the detective who asked. She, well, she forgot she was a proper southern woman and ripped into him with her words. Can’t recall a time I’ve ever heard her say such things. It woulda been funny if we weren’t talkin’ about my friend’s death.”
Deciding it was time to change the subject, she asked, “Where’s Gram?”
“She’s upstairs with Betty and your ma, workin’ on what to include in Cecil’s obituary notice.”
“I’m sure glad I don’t have the responsibility of writing one for Bo and his family. I wouldn’t have a clue what to say.”
“That’s why I ain’t helpin’ with Cecil’s. I never was good with sayin’ what’s on my heart.”
Karina smiled. “That’s not true, Grampa. You’ve never had a problem sharing with me.”
Junior leaned over and kissed Karina’s cheek. “That’s because you’re my girl. Always have been and always will be. We’ll walk through this valley of pain together and emerge on the other side stronger for it. That’s a promise.”
Tears welled up in Karina’s eyes. “Good grief. I didn’t think I had any tears left.”
Patting her hand, Junior stood. “Don’t fight them, darlin’. Salty tears cleanse the soul of all its wounds.”
“I love you, Grampa.”
“Love you too, sugar. Now come on. Let’s head back inside before the bottom drops out. Those storm clouds are full of water.”
The next several days were a blur of grief and more tears—and reporters. Again. Their intrusion disturbed the elderly residents, so Karina was forced to hire three security guards to keep them away. They finally gave up when another, juicier news story caught the attention of the newshounds. A judge in Northwest Arkansas had been arrested for soliciting sexual favors in exchange for lighter sentences of over one-hundred people who’d stood before him. When the story broke, Cheryl winked and said, “See, I told you this state was full of secrets.”
The official ruling of the tragic day at the Barton ranch was murder-suicide, and Cecil Pickard was simply a casualty of Brandon Barton’s rage and grief of losing his son and the fact he’d been helping Brice distribute meth. Since the house burned to the ground, no one knew the real truth of the strange relationship between Cecil Pickard and the Barton family.
Everyone at The Magnolia attended the small, graveside service for Cecil Pickard—even the staff. Since he no longer owned any land, Junior and Ruth insisted his final resting place be in the old Tuck family plot on the back acreage of their land. LiAnn and Karina both thought the gesture was sweet and agreed wholeheartedly. Junior picked out a beautiful headstone engraved with the words, “Cecil Pickard – Husband, father, best friend & kind soul. Until we meet again on the other side.”
Unwilling to raise suspicion by not attending, Karina swallowed her anger and suffered through the gut wrenching Barton family service with only her mother at her side. Though Gram and Grampa said they would attend, Karina stood firm and said no. They’d already suffered through one funeral and didn’t need the added stress of another. A part of her felt a twinge of sadness upon seeing the four matching caskets side by side and the senselessness of it all. A family tree tainted for generations until it finally withered away from spoiled sap. While sitting on the pew and listening to the preacher, Karina let go of the anger at Bo churning inside her and made peace with what happened. Though it was difficult to admit, she did understand, though certainly didn’t agree with, Bo’s reasons and loyalty to his family.
Only a handful of people attended, including a familiar face—Officer Trey Barton—who steered clear of Karina
as though he feared she’d puke on him again.
LiAnn and Karina were both thankful Gram and Betty never asked any questions. Both women seemed to accept the official story about what happened at the Barton ranch, though mother and daughter each suspected they figured out the truth, or at least part of it.
Betty Dravis’s secret remained intact as well, and Karina was happy she seemed to be warming up to Seth. The day after the Bartons’ funeral, she spotted them holding hands while walking in the garden. It was an adorable sight.
Unable to paint to release the mental pain until her hand healed, Karina spent a lot of time with Betty at night after her mother went home for the day. Gram realized her friend didn’t need constant protection, and Grampa needed her close to help deal with the loss of his best friend. Karina and Betty formed a tight bond since they both seemed drawn to each other’s sadness. Betty was the only other person Karina told about the miscarriage, and Betty revealed what happened to her the night of March 2, 1957.
Two weeks later, Karina acted surprised when they drove up to the farm and the finished house was revealed. Gram and Grampa insisted on going through each room with her, pointing out little things they hoped she liked. She stifled a laugh when they got to the master bathroom. Grampa gushed about the light blue walls and how they were meant to remind her of the ocean, and the fancy tub was shaped like a clam so she’d feel like a mermaid each time she bathed.
When they toured the outside, the azaleas and pampas grass were in full bloom. Six new gardenia bushes dotted the sidewalk leading to the porch. A gleam of silver caught Karina’s attention as she walked past. When she bent down for a closer inspection, something inside her heart broke free.
It was a metal plaque in the shape of two handcuffs woven together—a replica of Cal’s tattoo and symbol of their former private investigative firm We’ve Got Ya! The only difference was the slight deviation of the name. I’ve Got You.
Karina realized Calvin Benson did have her heart—and always had—even though he broke it with infidelity. It was why she never truly fell in love with Bo; her heart was still tangled up with Cal’s. And just like Cal said on the porch, wounds heal with time. Some extra salve was added to speed the process up the day Cal told her why he’d moved to Arkansas. He went above and beyond just helping a friend—he risked his license and possibly even jail time—by taking part in faking Melissa’s death.
So did Andrew.
That was sacrifice.
That was love.
She’d set the plaque back in its place and smiled as a heavy weight lifted from her chest and then went over and rejoined her family, embracing them all in the biggest hug her arms could give.
Epilogue
Hot Springs, Arkansas – Late Saturday Morning, June 3, 2017
“You certainly clean up nice! Wow, I never thought I’d see you dressed in a wedding gown! Took you long enough!”
LiAnn laughed and hugged Melissa’s neck. “You sound just like Karina. I’m so happy you made it!”
Melissa smirked. “It’s not like I have anything better to do while I wait to find out if my law license will be revoked permanently…other than bask in the glory Rupert Kincaid will be stuck in prison for the rest of his life. The D.A.’s office let me go, which isn’t a surprise. If I get to retain my license, I plan on going into elder law.”
“That would be a perfect fit for you! Are you still considering the book deal?”
Melissa grinned and shook her head. “Nope. What more is there to share other than what’s already been splashed across the news? Well, besides what we don’t want disseminated to the public”
“True.”
“It sure helped having you and Karina there. You both did such a fine job on the stand, and I must say, I was surprised at how Karina kept her composure. After all she’s been through, there was a part of me that worried she might lose control. Plus, having two faces that weren’t white from shock when I walked in helped.”
“Ha, that was the first time I really experienced the expression ‘you could have heard a pin drop.’”
“No doubt! Besides, my family insisted we come. They wanted to meet Andrew and Cal in person to thank them for helping me. They’re outside smothering Andrew with hugs and kisses I’m sure. I didn’t see Cal though. Is he coming? And where’s your mom? Your maid of honor? Why the hell are you getting ready alone?”
LiAnn turned back to the mirror, fiddling with the pearls on her neck. “I’m not sure. Things are…still strained between him and Karina, who’s helping Mom with her dress and hair.”
Plopping down on the closest chair, Melissa replied, “That girl’s crazy! How is it that she can’t see how much Cal loves her? So what if he had a moment of weakness? He made up for the mistake and then some. She’s as stubborn as they come.”
“So are you.”
Melissa’s laugh was bitter. “Yes, I am. Having your husband plot your death does that to a person and sent me way past the point of being stubborn. I’m a vindictive bitch. Those were Vern’s last words screamed across the galley when he was arrested last week—right in the middle of a trial! God, I really wish cameras were allowed in the courtroom because I could watch the video of his face over and over. Bastard.”
A hint of worry made LiAnn flinch. “You didn’t tell the entire truth, right?”
“Relax, girl. I never brought up their names. I told them I did everything myself, including the oh-so damaging recording of my despicable husband and plunging my car into the Pacific. They had no idea I was here, or who brought me.”
“What about Santos? He knows the truth.”
“True, but Cal reminded him he knows things about Santos that would send him to prison for the rest of his life. He won’t talk.”
Sighing with relief, LiAnn slipped on a pair of heels. “Thank goodness. Now I can get married without worrying my husband might get carted off to jail. Conjugal visits aren’t a part of the prison system any longer, and even if they were, I couldn’t handle it.”
Melissa stood and leaned in for a hug. “Sweetie, I may lose my license, but I still have friends in high places. If by some slim chance the truth leaks, I guarantee you nothing will come of it. Now, enough of this talk. Let me get a good look at your dress!”
Feeling like a giddy teenager, LiAnn did a slow spin, letting the silk dress float around her body in languid waves. The light cream color complemented her complexion, and the delicate beading on the bodice and shoulders gave off just the right amount of sparkle. She’d balked at the gown when Karina first spotted it, but once she put it on, LiAnn knew it was perfect.
“My baby girl, you’ve never, ever looked more stunnin’.”
A few tears welled up in LiAnn’s eyes as her father stepped in to the room. “Look who’s talking! The tux is perfect!”
Junior laughed as he extended his arm. “I look like an old penguin. Come on, darlin’. Everyone is ready for your grand entrance, includin’ your suitor.”
LiAnn raised an inquisitive brow. “Everyone?”
“Yes, everyone.” Junior winked.
Watching the interaction between daughter and father, Melissa said, “I’m sensing there’s a plot afoot?”
Picking up the bouquet of pink roses and carnations, LiAnn slipped her arm through her father’s and shrugged. “A plot? I have no idea what you mean.”
The trio walked through the house, stepping out the opened French doors onto the deck leading to the backyard. The dress of light rose on her mother made the years fade from her face. A wide smile crossed LiAnn’s face at the décor as she motioned for her mother to join them. Baskets of fresh flowers and ferns dotted the deck and lined the aisle leading to an archway covered in lilacs and gardenias. White wicker chairs with pink bows tied to the back were occupied by elderly guests from The Magnolia, all the women sporting floppy sun hats and gloves. “Oh, Pop, Mom, it’s beautiful.”
“And it’s about to get emotional, so here,” Junior added, handing LiAnn and Melissa
each a lace hanky. “You’ll probably need one too, Melissa.”
“Junior? What about me?” Ruth teased.
“I already know you got three in your purse, darlin’. I watched you put them in there, remember?”
Stepping forward, Melissa asked, “What’s going on? Wait, is that Cal? Why is he…oh, my goodness. He’s going to—?”
“Yes, he is. Come on. I’ve got to watch this.”
Easing down the steps, they stopped at the edge of the house and watched. Karina didn’t notice since she was preoccupied with making sure the ribbon around Ranger’s neck, holding the rings, stayed in place. Cal eased up behind her, dressed in a stunning black tuxedo identical to Andrew’s and knelt. Ranger noticed and jerked at the leash, immediately greeting him with a wet tongue.
“God, please let today be the day she keeps that mouth of hers shut except to say yes,” Junior whispered.
“She will. I know she will, or I wouldn’t have let Cal talk me and Andrew into this,” LiAnn replied.
Karina gasped when she saw Cal. She hadn’t seen or spoken to him since March, though she’d longed for him every night, sharing her worries, pain, and fears with Betty. She’d never seen him dressed up before, and it took her breath away. “Calvin, what are you doing?”
“I should think it’s obvious. Tux. Flowers. A ring.”
Cal held up his hand. The sun glinted off the silver band between his fingers. Karina gasped. “Are you insane? Is that…is the ring…a?”
Standing, Cal moved closer, stopping inches from Karina. “Good eye. It’s in the shape of a handcuff. You locked my heart with yours the minute we met, Karina Ruby Summers. I should have asked years ago, but I was young and stupid—unappreciative of what we had. Now, I’m not. I’ve been as patient as I’m capable, so please, say yes.”
Karina looked into Cal’s eyes—the eyes that held her heart hostage the first time they met. Calvin had never, ever displayed such raw emotion, especially in front of others. The intensity, the need, the love—it all shone through.
Blood Loss - A Magnolia Novel Page 20
