by Alice Walsh
Lauren got up from the table and went into the living room, Daniel close behind.
“Momma, the lady on the television says you’re in hot water.” Bailey giggled. “You’re not in hot water.”
The TV was tuned to the CBC evening news. Lauren’s picture was in the upper left hand corner of the television. “LaVallee, the lawyer for Claire Ste Denis, the woman charged in the death of her infant, is alleged to have been involved in unethical behaviour. According to a report—”
Lauren grabbed the remote and turned off the television. That’s old news, she thought. Why bring it up after more than a week? And why do they keep involving Claire in this? She reached for Bailey’s hand. “Bath time,” she said.
“After your bath, would you like me to read you a bedtime story?” Daniel asked.
“Madeline?” Bailey said eagerly.
“Madeline.” Daniel ruffled her hair.
After she had given Bailey her bath, Lauren gathered old newspapers to start a fire. From upstairs, she could hear Bailey giggling. Unexpectedly, she felt a tug of guilt for keeping her from her father. She remembered the excitement she’d felt when Bailey was first born. She would stand over her bassinet for hours staring at her while she slept. Her baby was a miracle she couldn’t believe had happened. Was that how Daniel felt now? He didn’t have the early memories she did.
The phone rang and Lauren picked up the extension in the kitchen. “Hello?”
“Lauren?” came the muffled voice.
“Claire? Are you okay?” It sounded like she was crying.
“I’m just having a bad day.”
“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
“I just need to talk. Is this a good time?”
“Of course. I’ve been meaning to call you.”
Lauren heard Claire draw in a deep breath. “I’ve left Bram,” she said. “I’m renting the apartment in Mitch’s house.”
Lauren let the information sink in. She knew Claire and Bram were having problems, but was surprised that Claire had actually moved out.
“How does Bram feel about this?”
“He’s called a couple of times asking me to come back. I explained that I can’t do that right now.” She sighed. “I think he’s accepted the fact that I won’t be coming home anytime soon.”
“I’m sorry,” Lauren said again, at a lost for words.
“I miss Ariel so much,” Claire said, her tone muffled. Again, Lauren wondered if she was crying. “It’s hard to face the reality that she’s never coming back.”
“Would you like me to come over?” Lauren knew Daniel would be more than willing to sit with Bailey.
“I think I’ll be okay,” Claire said. “But if you could come by tomorrow, I would really appreciate it?”
“I can come around nine tomorrow morning if you like.”
“I’ll cook you breakfast,” Claire said. “It will give me something to do, take my mind off things.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“Did you watch the news tonight?”
“No, I didn’t get a chance.”
“CBC reported on the article Coleman wrote about me.” She paused. “And I’m afraid you’ve been dragged into it again. I’ll tell you more about it when I see you in the morning.”
They chatted for a few more minutes and Lauren hung up the phone just as Daniel was coming downstairs. “Bailey fell asleep while I was reading to her,” he said.
“Probably exhausted. I know I am.”
“She’s a great girl,” Daniel said, smiling.
“Yes,” Lauren agreed. “I’m very lucky.”
“We’re both lucky.”
“Would you like some wine?” She grabbed a nearby bottle and held it out.
Daniel picked up his glass. Lauren filled it, and refilled her own. “Let’s go into the family room,” she said. “I’ll light a fire.”
Lauren sat on the sofa. Daniel took a seat across from her in a wing chair. “This is nice,” he said, nodding toward the blazing fire.
“And necessary,” Lauren said. “Can you believe how cold it is?”
“Well, as the saying goes, ‘April is the cruellest month.’”
Lauren laughed. “It’s still March. But the problem is that every month is cruel in Newfoundland.”
Daniel studied her a moment. “Are you okay, Lauren?”
“It’s just…I should have gotten in front of that story before Coleman had a chance to write about it.” Lauren shook her head. “A lot of crap has been happening, Daniel. I just got off the phone with Claire. She left her husband.”
“That’s rough. You’d think she’d want his support right now.”
Lauren took a sip of wine. “She’s charged with aggravated assault, and honest to God, Daniel, I don’t know how I can get her exonerated. It keeps me awake at night.”
“You can only do your best, Lauren.”
“You sound like my grandmother.”
Smiling, Daniel raised his glass. “To the wisdom of grannies.”
“I’m going to see Claire tomorrow morning,” Lauren said. “Could you give Bailey a ride to school after McDonald’s?”
“Sure thing.”
Lauren refilled their glasses. For the next while they talked easily. Lauren told Daniel about the problems they were having with the press. “You never know when they’re going to ambush you,” she said, “and they call at all hours.”
“Must be very stressful for Claire,” Daniel said.
“And you probably heard about the doctor who got shot a couple of days ago.”
“I recall reading something about that. Was he from Paddy’s Arm?”
Lauren nodded. “In fact, we had a dinner date the night it happened. Of course, he never showed.”
Daniel cleared his throat. “Were you close?”
Lauren sensed something in Daniel’s voice. Was it jealousy? Regret? “I was just getting to know him. I was shocked when the police called.”
“A lot has been happening.”
“It’s been one thing after another,” Lauren said. Then, to her surprise, she burst into tears.
In an instant, Daniel was beside her, his voice gentle. “Are you okay?” He took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.
“I’m fine.” She laughed shakily, wiping her eyes.
“You’ve had a bad day,” he said soothingly.
“Yes,” she agreed. “Not one of my best.”
Daniel put his arm around her shoulder. His familiar scent enveloped her as she sank into him. His hand moved over her back, stroking her, soothing her. He massaged her shoulders, his fingers moving to the tender nape of her neck. Lauren closed her eyes, enjoying his touch.
He kissed her earlobe, the hollow above her collarbone. Lauren felt his breath warm on her neck as he whispered close to her ear. She turned toward him and he put his mouth on hers. Four years of separation melted away, and passion that had lain dormant was stirred back to life.
Daniel fumbled with the buttons on Lauren’s blouse. One hand found her breast, the other slid across her lower abdomen. “Daniel,” Lauren moaned, lost in a wave of desire. She clung to him.
Unbidden, reality crashed in with ruthless clarity. It took all of Lauren’s willpower to float from the depths of her physical sensation. No, she told herself. I will not be drawn into another love affair with no happy ending. I will not let Daniel take physical pleasure from me and offer me nothing more. She pulled herself away, shaken by what she had almost let happen.
Daniel stared at her, a confused look on his face.
Straightening her clothing, Lauren rose to her feet. “Daniel, you have to go.”
“Lauren…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean…I—”
“Daniel, please. Just go.”
Chapter 26
>
By the time Lauren pulled into McDonald’s, the parking lot was nearly full, the drive-through clogged with cars. Daniel had called earlier to say he was running late, and Lauren decided it would be best to drop Bailey off instead of having him come to the house. Now, as she walked toward the restaurant holding Bailey’s hand, she wondered if she could face him.
“There he is, Momma!” Bailey exclaimed when they walked inside.
Daniel started toward them. He was wearing blue jeans and a grey tweed jacket. Despite the shadows under his eyes, he was still strikingly handsome. Lauren felt a pain so sharp she blinked back tears.
“Good morning, ladies.” He briefly squeezed Bailey’s shoulder. “You look chipper this morning. All ready for breakfast?”
Bailey nodded. “I’ll have the hash browns.”
Lauren and Daniel exchanged amused looks in spite of everything. “Be good,” she told Bailey, bending to kiss her. “Daniel will drive you to school.”
“Can we go to the playground again?” she asked, glancing from Daniel to Lauren.
“Daniel has to go home,” Lauren said quickly.
Bailey grabbed his hand. “Will you come back to visit?”
“I’m sure it can be arranged,” Daniel said.
Lauren didn’t answer.
“Let’s go order those hash browns.” Daniel put a reassuring hand on Lauren’s arm. “I’ll take good care of her.”
Lauren nodded.
Damn him, she thought as she drove down Main Street. She’d been doing fine. But what did she expect? Her love for Daniel had only brought her sorrow. There could be no happy ending. What was she thinking, letting him buy dinner, drinking wine with him? She slid a CD of Beethoven’s piano sonatas into her car stereo and turned up the volume. The music usually had a calming effect, but this morning nothing could lift her dark mood.
When Lauren pulled up in front of Mitch’s house, she saw a police cruiser parked on the street. A news van was parked not far behind. Had something happened to Claire? Lauren felt a stab of anxiety. She got out of her car just as two officers came out of the apartment. Lauren donned a baseball cap and large dark sunglasses. She expected the press to be all over her, but they were more interested in the RCMP.
“Can you tell us why you are visiting with Claire Ste Denis at this time?” Lauren heard a reporter ask one of the officers.
“Routine questioning,” the officer said, and moved on. From his tone, it was clear that he didn’t want to discuss it.
Lauren knew Ariel’s case was out of the hands of the local police, turned over to the crime unit. Still, she didn’t like the idea of Claire talking to the RCMP without her being present. Why are they here? she wondered as she made her way to Claire’s entrance.
“Hi, Lauren,” Claire said when she opened the door. “Come on in.”
Although there were shadows under her eyes, Claire seemed okay. There were no signs of the distress she had expressed on the telephone last evening.
Lauren stepped inside the small sitting room with sloping ceilings. She hugged Claire briefly. “How are you?”
“I’m much better this morning,” Claire said. She took Lauren’s jacket and hung it on a coat rack.
Lauren took a moment to look around the room. There was barely enough space for a sofa, reclining chair, and coffee table.
Claire led her into a narrow kitchen that ran parallel to the living room. A small table was set for two. “Something smells good,” Lauren said.
“Breakfast is ready.” Claire pulled out a chair from around the table. “Have a seat.”
“I saw the police leave.”
“They had questions.” Claire opened the oven door, and took out a pan of biscuits.
“You reminded them that I’m your attorney.”
“Oh, it had nothing to do with me.” Claire dumped the biscuits into a wicker basket and placed it on the table. “They had questions about Patrick Shaw.” She turned to face Lauren. “Patrick’s a suspect in Andrew’s shooting.”
Lauren nodded.
“I trusted Patrick,” Claire said, “but I’m beginning to wonder if he…hurt Ariel.”
Lauren felt sick. “What are you trying to say, Claire? Has he ever given you cause for concern?”
“No,” Claire demured, “in fact Patrick has always been good with Ariel. But with all this new information coming out about him...well, I can’t help but wonder.”
“I can certainly understand your concern,” Lauren said, calming slightly. “Still, Patrick doesn’t strike me as the violent type. I trust him with Bailey.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Claire placed a pan of bacon and pancakes on the table, and sat down across from Lauren.
“Everything looks delicious,” Lauren said, filling her plate.
Claire took a small bite of her pancake. “It’s nice having someone to eat with.”
Lauren fixed a stare on Claire, taking in her gaunt frame. She must have lost twenty pounds since the death of her baby.
“I don’t have much appetite since Ariel…left,” Claire said, as if reading Lauren’s thoughts. She gave her a weak smile. “You look tired.”
“I’ve had an emotional couple of days. Daniel came to see me.”
Claire glanced up at her with interest.
Lauren told her everything, beginning with Daniel’s phone call.
“You’re still in love with him,” Claire said. It was a statement, not a question.
“Maybe,” Lauren admitted, her voice sad. “But I refuse to be his mistress.”
“I can’t blame you. You deserve better.”
“Yes, I deserve much better.” Taking the conversation in a new direction, she apologized again. “I’m very sorry that they’ve involved you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Claire said. “I’m used to the press.”
“I’m sure you are.” Lauren looked around the small kitchen. “How long do you plan to stay here?”
Claire looked down at her plate. “I’m not sure. I don’t know if things can be the same between us again.”
“Don’t give up on your marriage, Claire. You’ve both been through a lot but Bram is still the same man you married.”
“Bram’s changed,” Claire said. “He’s shut me out.”
“I’m sorry,” Lauren said.
“Enough about that,” Claire said, attempting a smile. “What’s been happening at work?” For the next while, Lauren filled her in on the latest gossip. Before she knew it a whole hour had passed. Lauren wiped her hands on a paper napkin. “I should get back to the college,” she said. “My class—my last class, I’m happy to say—starts in half an hour.”
“You sound relieved.”
“It’s a mad time of the year,” Lauren said. “The students are getting ready for final exams. They’re all keyed up and edgy.”
“I know what that’s like,” Claire said as she went to retrieve Lauren’s coat. “You were brave to take it on.”
“I can’t say I didn’t entirely enjoy it,” Lauren said. “It’s just that I’m so busy.”
Claire helped Lauren into her coat. “I don’t know how you manage it all.”
Lauren buttoned her coat, then turned to hug Claire goodbye. “Take care,” she said, “and keep in touch.”
Maybe a temporary separation from Bram is not such a bad thing, Lauren thought as she walked outside. She knew Claire would never get over the horror of losing Ariel. Time would deaden that pain, but wouldn’t erase it entirely. But if Claire went to prison for Ariel’s death, it would destroy her. Destroy her and Bram. I can’t let that happen, she told herself.
Lauren was pleased to see the sun had come out. It was turning out to be a nice day, and she felt her mood lift. As she rounded the corner to go to her car, she stopped abruptly. “It’s you,” she gasped, finding he
rself face to face with the platinum lady.
Chapter 27
“Hello, Ms. LaVallee.”
The strange woman stared at Lauren beneath false eyelashes, her broad face caked with makeup. Her hair, which Lauren realized was a wig, came down to her shoulders. She wore a royal blue dress with small white buttons down the front. A string of pearls was wound around her thick neck.
Lauren took a step toward her.
“You seem surprised to see me,” the woman said, her voice deep and familiar.
Lauren stared, dumbfounded.“Mitch?” she said, nearly choking on her words.
They stood for a moment in awkward silence.
“I suppose I owe you an explanation,” Mitch said, motioning toward the house.“Please, come inside.”
Lauren followed him inside. Mitch led her into a large room furnished with antique sofas and chairs. “Make yourself comfortable,” he said, gesturing to an elegant love seat. “I’ll be with you in a moment.” He turned and retreated down the hallway.
The room was eerily quiet, the ticking of the grandfather clock ominously loud. A skinny black cat jumped up on the sofa and silently regarded Lauren with narrowed eyes.
After a few minutes, the door opened and Claire walked in. Lauren could tell she was upset. “Lauren, I should have told you.”
It took a moment for Lauren to realize Claire was referring to Mitch. He must have called her from an upstairs telephone. “Yes,” she said with a note of reproach. “I asked specifically about a platinum blonde. You denied knowing any such person.”
Claire lowered herself onto a sofa. “Mitch would never harm Ariel,” she said. “He loved her as much as Bram and I did. She was like a granddaughter to him.”
“That’s not the point, Claire, and you know it.”
“I didn’t want Mitch to be embarrassed.” Claire lowered her voice. “Only a few of our close friends know.” She gave Lauren a pleading look. “People in this town would never understand.”
Claire was right, Lauren realized. If this got out, Mitch would be shunned and ridiculed. She turned to Claire. “If he’s so concerned about people finding out, why does he take such chances? Why does he go out in broad daylight dressed as a woman? I ran into her…him in St. John’s, for heaven’s sake.”
