Death by Donation

by Sarah Hualde

  “Bill insists we have it catered. Actually, Della insists. But Bill backs her. I think he’s feeling guilty. But I have no idea why? I know Bill is the reason Jake was in town in the first place. Still, it’s not like he set fire to the blood bank.” Ines shuddered and took another drink. This time the sweetened beverage warmed her and whisked the loudest of her tension away. “Which reminds me. I have to hurry down to the library. DonateLife is sending their inspector down at 3 pm. I need to be there to meet him.”

  “Can’t you have someone else meet him? Your plate is pretty full.”

  “Unfortunately not. I scheduled the event. I set up the lot. It was my responsibility. I guess I should get a hold of Gus before I do much else. I’m sure he’ll need to be there as well.”

  “Why don’t you do that, now. Ivy and I will start calling around town and getting things going. You just sit, call Gus, and finish your coffee.”

  “Really? You don’t mind?” Ines sunk further into her seat. Her breath came more naturally and a faint grin graced her exhausted face. “You are the best. You too, Ivy.”

  Ivy and Lydia shunned the compliment and got to work.

  An hour later and all plans were set, with the exception of the floral arrangements. Miss Jacqui’s great-niece from Ashton would cater the memorial. Nothing fancy. A few of the church ladies would bake up desserts but Jacqui’s niece would display and serve them. Bill and Della wouldn’t know the difference.

  Pastor Dean would say a short something for Jake Cloverdale and then Della would speak. Everyone would eat and go home. Lydia commissioned Flora with inviting the town, though she was sure Miss Jacqui and Miss Rene were already spreading the news. A few citizens of Honey Pot still desired personal invitations and chose to ignore the gossip train.

  Ivy was picking up the flowers tomorrow morning and would deliver them, in Lydia's truck to Ines’ house. It would be far from perfect but it would be the best send-off Honey Pot could give an almost stranger.

  Ines left Lydia’s feeling lighter and with less throbbing in her temples. She would meet with the inspector and then pick up take-out for her strange group of family.

  ✽✽✽

  Ethan called to check in on his loved ones right after Ines departed.

  “How are my girls?” Ethan’s happy tone sounded more nasally than usual.

  “It’s weird here without you.”

  “Same here.” Ethan sneezed. “Excuse me.”

  “What’s going on with you?”

  “It's been raining the entire time. Last night it stormed so badly that trees were dropping across the lake. We’re okay. It’s just hard to keep warm. The electricity has been out all day. It’s one reason that I’m calling. My phone is about to run out of power and I won’t make our weekly call with Joan. I’m pretty sure we’re going to be stuck in the dark until we return.”

  Lydia felt bad for her husband, freezing without her body heat to warm up his bed. However, who Lydia truly felt terrible for was Kat.

  Kat and the kids had no electricity. That meant no distracting devices, no dishwasher, and no lights to play games by. Kat would have to venture out to the lake to get any sun. She wouldn’t have a moment to herself. Lydia nearly giggled at the thought. Kat roughing it would be a sight.

  But Ethan missing their transcontinental video chat with Joan was too sad to bypass. He loved these weekly chats. It was one thing that kept their family connected. Ethan would have done anything in his power to make the call. Lydia knew it. She was sure Joan knew it too. There would be other calls.

  Ethan went on describing his time at the lake and how much he missed his wife. He detailed how much fun it would be to have Scout and Ivy come along the next time.

  Then he asked, “How did her meeting with Bill go?”

  Lydia gagged on her coffee. She forgot their phone call had ended so abruptly the other night. They hadn’t spoken since.

  “Her meeting went well.”

  “But?”

  Lydia detailed the fire, the accident, the death, and the upcoming memorial. “Why does all the interesting stuff happen when I’m not around?”

  “I was wondering that myself. But you don’t fool me. I know you’re thrilled to be out of the middle of things for a week. These trips keep you sane.”

  “True.” The phone beeped on Ethan’s end. “Well, that’s my cue. My battery is on its last leg. Radio silence until the power returns. Send Joanie my love and hug the girls for me.”

  “Of course.”

  “I love you, my hot mama.”

  Lydia blushed. She hated that her husband could still get the color to rise in her cheeks after being married for so long. It didn’t seem right. It was like they were cheating the old married couple system. Rebels at the lifelong romance gig. Lydia liked that idea. She welcomed and wore her deepening embarrassment like a badge.

  “I’ll be home soon,” Ethan said.

  “Can’t wait,” Was that a hint of flirting in her tone? Lydia couldn’t believe it. Ethan’s second youth was rubbing off on her. And then the call was over. Lydia put her fingertips to her cheek. The heat from her face was palpable.

  ✽✽✽

  Ivy hurried to and from Miss Jacqui’s. She needed to help coordinate arrivals and set up the memorial service food. After that, she was due to meet the florist to discuss getting a few memorial baskets full of flowers. Ivy didn’t know how long the order for the memorial would take. But it wasn’t like the event was a wedding. A couple of baskets shouldn’t take too long. Ivy was determined to give the florist as much notice as possible.

  Lydia stayed home with Scout and helped Flora via her phone with names and numbers to invite. Thankfully, Flora’s phone was ready for pick up. She would only need to use Lydia’s landline for a few calls.

  ✽✽✽

  Ivy drove through town in a daze. Her mind raced between her errands and Grant Justice. Why did she keep thinking about him? It was silly. She hardly knew him and yet she wanted to talk to him about everything that had ever happened to her. She turned into the Main Circle with unbidden tears misting her vision. What was Grant Justice doing to her?

  Chapter 13

  Flora paced inside the computer repair shop. Timmy had finally recovered from his shocking experience with the town blackout a few days ago. He was in the back searching for her cell phone and talking to himself. Flora wondered what the world was coming to if a 27-year-old man was too chicken to approach a dark room by himself. Were all twenty-somethings that strange? Just then Ivy entered the store. Flora smiled; her hope in young people restored.

  Ivy was the bravest teenager she’d ever met. Brave enough to escape an abusive home life and boyfriend. She was strong enough to deliver her baby alone in a church attic. And dependable enough to help Flora give birth to Enoch without another adult present. Flora giggled to herself as she imagined the mess Timmy would have been in the same situation. She praised God that Ivy was the one who helped her and not Timmy.

  “What are you doing here?” Flora greeted Ivy with a welcoming hug.

  “Looking for you. I’d like your advice on the flowers. I’ve never ordered for a memorial before. Are there any flowers that would be inappropriate to bring?”

  Flora gazed at the popcorn ceiling in concentration. “Not that I know of but you’d have to check with Grace at the Florist. She’ll know exactly what to do with whatever budget Lydia has sent you with.”

  Ivy’s relief was obvious. “Good. This whole situation is giving me the jitters.”

  Timmy returned from the back room. Beads of perspiration speckled the bridge of his nose. His normal caramel complexion faded to a pale tan. Flora noticed even Ivy was inspecting Timmy for a backbone.

  He slid Flora her phone and receipt. Flora turned the phone on and off and played with the settings to ensure everything was in working order. “Thanks, Tim.” She waved behind her as she pulled Ivy from the shop.

  “I’ll come with you to the florist.”

  “Th
anks,” Ivy said. “How are the kids? How’s school going with all this mess?”

  “They’re great. The situation isn’t very disrupting to homeschool. I pop out for a bit to run errands when Kevin’s home and then come back. Plus, we’re taking advantage of the weather to study natural disasters.”

  “Doesn’t that spook them out? I mean, tornadoes do happen around here. And, occasionally, earthquakes.”

  Flora shrugged off the suggestion. “We’re also working on our community helpers education and emergency preparedness. It’s done wonders for the mess in my house. The kids are all terrified of tripping on something as they rush to the basement. That means clean rooms at my house. It’s a win-win.”

  Ivy held open the door of the florist shop. She noticed the times displayed on the open sign. There were thirty minutes left until closing. Just enough time to place a quick order. Ivy looked at her friend. “Sometimes you can be diabolical,” she said.

  “Thank you,” Flora answered grinning widely.

  Ivy let the door of the shop shut on its own. The welcoming bell chimed, alerting Grace to new customers. Through the glass door, Ivy caught sight of Grant walking along the opposite side of the street. She waved anxiously. Until she noticed Della stroll up to Grant and tuck her arm under his. Ivy felt the world crash into her gut. She shoved it away and turned back to Flora who was already discussing things with Grace.

  A tall man in black slacks and a leather jacket perused the cases. He inspected a few congratulations ready-made vases through the frosty glass doors. When Flora explained the situation, Ivy swore she saw the stranger leaning in closer to the conversation.

  “Yes, isn’t it sad?”

  “I couldn’t believe it when I heard it from Mr. Goldman. Imagine meeting your identical twin and then having him die on you the very next day,” Grace said as she hastily flipped through her pictorial portfolio.

  Flora agreed in silence. But Ivy watched the man walk a step nearer to the counter. He was definitely listening. Ivy refused to utter a word. She allowed Flora to take control of the entire conversation. Ivy nodded approval at the obvious times and handed over Lydia’s money at the correct moment. She smiled broadly as Flora thanked Grace and scurried behind her as left the store.

  Flora was talking about the baskets as they rounded the corner to the parking area.

  Ivy listened to see if the man was following them. She felt him, more than saw him, walk across the street and toward the library. The farther away the man walked, the more naturally Ivy breathed. “What is up with you, Ivy? You’re acting strange.”

  Flora’s voice startled Ivy back to the present and she shook off the eerie feeling of being watched. “I thought that guy was following us.”

  “What guy? Where?” Flora spun around, absentmindedly smacking Ivy with her behemoth of a bag.

  Ivy hurried Flora over to her car. She checked the street to make sure the man in black hadn’t heard Flora’s loud exclamation. He didn’t seem fazed. He proceeded into the library and out of view.

  “I’m not sure how to contact Maddie and Lou to let them know of the memorial. Ines doesn’t have their numbers and Bill isn’t answering his phone. Poor guy is probably still in shock. Do you have any ideas?”

  “Sure. They’re at the Sleeping Pretty Motel. Would you like me to head over there and invite them?”

  Flora shook her head. “Not alone, I don’t.” Flora’s eyes sparked with concern. She sat in her driver’s seat, thinking. “Maybe he can go with you.” Cheerily, Flora motioned to Grant who suddenly appeared in the parking lot.

  “I thought that was you,” he said to Ivy. Ivy’s stomach sank once again.

  “Where’s Della,” she asked striving to keep the bitterness from her voice.

  Grant shrugged. “Who knows. She popped into the library to talk with the investigator from DonateLife and that’s the last I saw of her. Now, where is this place I’m going with you?”

  Flora explained the situation, “I would go myself but I’ve got to get back to Enoch. I’ll let Lydia know where you guys are going. See you tomorrow.”

  She waved to the young people as she drove away beaming at her matchmaking abilities. Ivy silently groaned. What was her friend thinking?

  “My car’s over here.” She pointed to Ethan Everett’s truck. Grant spoke happily but Ivy couldn’t hear him. She only saw Della flirting with him.

  Della sure didn’t seem like she was 30. She wore tight-fitting jeans and crop tops, more like the girls from Mission House than a woman only slightly younger than Flora.

  Ivy was on Main Street before realizing she’d started the car and pulled away. Catching a glimpse of Grant smiling at her, as he talked, made Ivy’s head spin. Suddenly, she was aware of only one thing, the truck cab felt a lot smaller with Grant beside her.

  Chapter 14

  Honey Pot’s autumn sun couldn’t make up its mind. It hid behind the clouds and set slowly over the horizon. Winter waited just around the bend. The sun would fall faster during the cold months. But for now, Lydia enjoyed the last morsel of heat with Scout on her back porch. She waited for Ivy to call her. Being alone with a cute boy wasn’t the safest of situations for Ivy.

  During their long night-time conversations, Ivy divulged to Lydia her dating checklist. Ivy didn’t really believe she would ever put herself back on the market but Lydia knew Ivy was too young to give up finding a lifelong companion. She begged Ivy to imagine her life with a husband and the qualities he would possess. The two had written it all down, like an emergency escape plan and logged it away.

  Lydia believed Ivy would find a special guy, someday. She didn’t expect it so soon. She nibbled her iced coffee straw and wrapped Scout in a light quilt. The day was officially over. Though Lydia held on to the sun, it moved on without her.

  Inside the house, the front door slammed. Lydia heard two voices echoing closer to her. She expected to see Grant and Ivy and was shocked to see Ivy chatting with Flora and Enoch.

  The sliding glass door opened for Lydia.

  Ivy took her baby and kissed her pudgy face. “Say, ‘mama’,” she said. Scout blew a spit bubble. “She really did say it.”

  “I’m sure she did,” Lydia said. She walked into her cozy house and locked the door behind her. “And she’ll say it again.”

  “Until it drives you crazy,” Flora said. “If my kids holler Mama once, they holler it 1,000 times. Some days I think that’s all I hear. Choruses of Mama.”

  “Just once will do for now.” Ivy rubbed her nose tenderly on Scout’s nose and Scout banged her fists together asking for more loves. “Besides, this Mama knows you’re a super-smart cookie. Yes, you are.”

  Flora and Lydia exchanged knowing looks before congregating at the kitchen table. “Happy as I am to see you, Flora, what are you doing here?”

  “I sent Ivy to see Maddie and Lou and she called me on her way back. I’ll let her tell you the story but I wanted to see your face as she tells it.” Lydia’s curiosity ticked and her eyebrow tented on her forehead. She turned to Ivy who was still kissing her little girl.

  “And,” Lydia said, rushed to hear the news. She pictured Grant and Ivy kissing passionately in Ethan’s truck but brushed the image away. Flora wouldn’t have driven over to her house for only that.

  “You’re going to want coffee,” Ivy said. Lydia responded by raising her iced coffee cup. “So, Grant and I drove to the Sleeping Pretty. To talk with Maddie and Lou.”

  “That I know, go on,” Lydia prompted. Something strange was going on. Arson? Blackmail? Murder? Lydia was only awaiting confirmation.

  “Maddie met us in the lobby but Lou was out to dinner with his wife and kids. They drove down to stay the night with him. Anyway,” Ivy’s speaking speed amped up and she began to shake in excitement. “I don’t know where to start.”

  “Start with Maddie,” Flora said.

  “Okay, Maddie. Maddie went down to the library when the inspector was there. She said Ines and Della were havi
ng a disagreement. The inspector wants to have the entire mobile investigated and Jake’s body autopsied. Ines agreed. But Della was adamant. She said Jake was a firm believer in letting the dead rest. Whatever that means.”

  Lydia stirred her coffee. “What does that mean?”

  “According to Maddie,” Ivy said. “It means a quick cremation before tomorrow’s memorial and then a trip home afterward. Maddie said Della didn’t want the hassle of transporting Jake’s body. Della also said that Bill backed her choice and Ines could call Bill if she wanted.”

  “Did she?” Flora leaned closer to Ivy, squishing Enoch closer to her neck.

  “Maddie says she did but Bill didn’t answer. Last Maddie heard investigation or no, Bill and Della are heading to Ashton in the morning and dealing with the entire thing.”

  “Can they do that?”

  “Sure they can,” Lydia said. “There’s no big police investigation. The fire department claims it was an accidental fire. So all they need is the final inspection by Donate Life. It might mess with their chances to sue but if they don’t care they can do whatever they like.”

  The three ladies and two babies sat staring at each other. Their pondering was cut short when Lydia’s phone rang. “That’ll be Joan,” Ivy said. “She’ll want to know what’s going on.”

  “Sorry, Flora, I need to take this.” Flora waved a hand of indifference at Lydia’s apology.

  “Ivy and I will talk a bit longer and then I’ll scoot. I’m not sure this storm is over, yet. I’d like to be home if it decides to rear up again.”

  Lydia swiped her thumb across the incoming call screen and offered a half-hug to Flora before walking down the hall.

  “Joanie, how are you baby?” Lydia shut her bedroom door, leaving only a crack open. Ivy may need to chat after Flora left and she wanted the teen to know she was welcome to intrude.

  “Oh, mom. It’s so good to hear your voice. Sorry, we can't have a face to face today.”

  “Oh sweets, I’ll take you any way I can get you. So, how’s Africa?” Lydia sat on her bed and propped herself up with pillows.