Devil's Spring

by Aaron Lazar

  With a heavy heart, she lay on his side of the bed with her heart pounding until midnight, when she finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.

  Chapter 14

  Orville stood in front of the bathroom mirror, facing himself down.

  You have to tell her today.

  He’d been home for a week now, had rested the suggested seven days, and went back to his barn chores yesterday. He’d done fine, had felt strong, and couldn’t believe the difference in how well he breathed and how much energy he had.

  All those years of feeling more and more tired, and all because he’d eaten too much bad food and clogged the hell out of his arteries.

  His new diet would be a challenge, that was for sure. Less red meat, gravy, and ice cream. More greens, fish, and nuts.

  He frowned at his reflection. How would he do it?

  He stared back at himself, still feeling that niggling guilt ripple up inside him.

  I need to tell her.

  What if she already knew? What if the hospital had found out the insurance premiums hadn’t been paid?

  He took a deep breath and stood taller.

  I’ll tell her at breakfast.

  ∞∞∞

  Tessie had never learned how to do the online banking like her sons did. But she knew how to use a phone, gosh darn it, and she called the bank to ask if the three checks she wrote to the insurance company had cleared. She waited until Joey and Caroline went down for their morning naps, and then made the call.

  “No, ma’am. I’m sorry, but we have no record of those checks being processed.”

  Dumbfounded, she decided to call her childhood friend Sally at the post office.

  “It’s not like I’m accusing Abe of stealing our mail, Sally. It’s just so odd.”

  The postmistress sighed. “I know you aren’t, Tessie. Abe’s been in this job longer than we’ve been alive.”

  “It’s just…”

  “I know. But listen. Don't you think it’s strange that only those checks made out to that company were stolen? And at three separate times, in three separate months? And if they were stolen, wouldn’t someone have tried to cash them, so you’d have a record of them going through at your bank?”

  Tessie hadn’t thought of that angle.

  “Good points, Sally. Well, I’ll keep digging. Thank you.”

  One other thing bothered her. If the checks hadn’t gone through, then why didn’t she have an extra three thousand dollars in the bank?

  It was time to ask Orville about this, now that he was feeling fit again. He’d know what to do.

  ∞∞∞

  Orville hadn’t told her at breakfast. Nor had he ‘fessed up at lunch. Now they were just finishing the dinner dishes and it gnawed at him. He’d never kept anything from Tessie before. It was time.

  “Honey?” he said. He hung the dishtowel over the oven handle and turned to her.

  Tessie wiped out the sink with a paper towel. “Yes, dear?”

  “We need to talk.”

  She spun so suddenly that he took a step back.

  “I was just going to say that to you. Did you read my mind?”

  “No, darlin’. Been meaning to talk with you for a while now.”

  “Okay. Let’s sit out on the glider with our coffee.”

  He wasn’t sure he could sip coffee and confess such a terrible thing, but he agreed anyway. “Okay.”

  She poured the decaf—another new change for him and his diet—and didn’t add fresh cream from their cows. No, she added a powdered gunk that tasted like chemicals. He figured he’d have to either give up coffee or learn to drink it black.

  They settled on the glider and she took one of his hands in hers. “Okay, Orville. What’s bothering you? Are you breaking up with me, mister?”

  He couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips. “No. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Tess.”

  “Well, then. What is it?”

  He cleared his throat. “I did something bad, Tess.”

  Her eyes widened. “How bad?”

  “Um, pretty darned bad. I lied to you.”

  Her face drained to chalk white. “About what?”

  “Money. I knew we were in trouble long before I told you. I took a second mortgage out on the farm three years ago. And I didn’t pay our insurance premiums, because I had to pay the second mortgage.”

  She didn’t speak. She just sat there, staring at him. Finally, she stuttered the words, “You did what?”

  “I planned to catch up with everything when the hay season came in. And I had buyers lined up for prime alfalfa. It was only going to take another month or so.”

  “And then you got sick.”

  “And then I got sick. I never imagined in a million years I’d need to go to the hospital.”

  “Why, Orville?” Her eyes drilled into his. “Why didn’t you trust me enough to tell me?”

  He shifted uneasily on the glider. “It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you. I felt like I was failing you. I promised you a good life together, and I couldn’t provide it.”

  “But we’re in this together, for good or bad. Or did you forget our marriage vows?” Now she looked angry, and he couldn’t blame her one bit.

  “I know. I’m an idiot.”

  “Yes, you are.” She poked him in the ribs. “I’d rather be in a trailer on half an acre of land with you alive, than with you dead because we couldn’t afford our doctors’ bills. For crying out loud, Orville. What are we going to do now?”

  “We’ll figure something out,” he said, knowing it sounded ridiculously lame.

  “Figure something out? We are practically on welfare now, my dear. I have to go figure out what kind of insurance the state offers that will tide us over. And pretty soon we’ll have to sell the farm. Because the medical bills are topping out at nearly thirty thousand dollars.”

  “That much? For only a day or so?” He lowered his eyes, studying his hands. “I’m so sorry, Tess. I failed you.”

  She stood up abruptly. “No, Orville. You failed us.” She walked quietly into the house, but before she disappeared she said, “And don’t plan on sleeping in our room tonight. I’m going to need some time to get over this.”

  Chapter 15

  “So, boys, that’s the story.” Tessie sat in the living room the next morning with Boone and Ned. Orville had conveniently excused himself to the barn, knowing that she was about to tell their sons the harsh truth. He said he’d apologize to them individually, on his own time. She’d lost a little more respect for him when he ducked out the door.

  “Will we lose the farm, Mom?” Ned asked.

  “It’s possible.”

  Boone sat up. “What about that photographer you mentioned earlier? I’m sure Portia and I would be happy to donate whatever she pays us to help with the medical bills.”

  Tessie teared up. She knew her son had his own debt and money problems. “Oh, honey. Really?”

  “Of course,” Boone said, reaching over to pat her arm. “We’re family, Mom. And maybe Grace and Anderson would do the same. Nobody wants us to lose a farm that’s been in our family for hundreds of years.”

  “Will you ask them, Boone?” she said. “I don’t think I have the courage.”

  “Anderson’s a good man. I’m sure he’d agree right up front. And he can convince Grace of most anything, given enough time.”

  They all chuckled, knowing how hotheaded Grace had been in the past.

  Tessie took a deep breath. “Well, once you get the go-ahead, let me know. I’ll call Susie and set up an appointment.”

  Ned stood. “There’s no reason I can’t take on another part time job. Mr. Angloss at the Feed Store has always said he could use a guy like me at his place. I know all the products and he’s taken care of our farm for years. Maybe he’d let me work a mid-day shift. Like eight to three. That’s when most of the dairy farmers have time to go to his store anyway, after and before milking.”

  Tessie threw her arms around
him. “I hate to have you work even harder, sweetie. But it would be wonderful to have another income, no matter how big, just to get us back on our feet.”

  Boone nodded in approval. “Good idea. I wish I could do the same, but with Portia’s farm in almost as bad shape as we are, I need to spend half my time there.”

  Tessie hushed him. “No apologies needed. You’re married to her now, which means you have committed to her family, too. I think what you’re doing is just fine, and I’m proud of you, honey.”

  Boone stood and checked his watch. “Speaking of which, I’m due over there to help bring in the first cutting of hay today. I’ll call you as soon as I discuss the photography thing with Anderson.”

  Ned joined him at the door. “And I’m heading down to the feed store to see what kind of hours I can wrangle out of Mr. Angloss.

  A pitiful wail came from upstairs where Caroline and Joey were sleeping.

  “That’s my call,” Tessie said. “Sounds like Caroline isn’t going to take her morning nap. I’d best get her before she wakes Joey.”

  Another cry joined the first.

  Boone smiled ruefully. “Sorry, Mom. I think you spoke too soon.”

  “No matter,” she said lightly. “I’ve got it covered. You two boys go about your business. This is my job.” She gave them a wide smile and hurried up the stairs.

  ∞∞∞

  Anderson stood with Grace and their daughter in the twilight, leaning on the paddock fence where Mirage pranced back and forth, eagerly neighing to a new mare who’d just been brought in to breed with him. She was unloaded from her trailer a few hours earlier, and trotted back and forth in a nearby paddock, answering his calls.

  “This is a good sign, isn’t it?”

  “What is?” Grace asked, shifting Caroline to her other hip.

  “That you’ve got another mare for Mirage, I mean.”

  “Oh, sorry. I was miles away. But, yes. It’s a very good sign. They actually mentioned that it was because of Sasha’s performance the other day. It made them want a foal from Mirage.”

  “So in one horse show, my dear, you’ve brought in two sales. Outstanding.”

  She sighed. “Not to change the subject, but I’m just thinking of that modeling thing you brought up for the baby. I don’t know if I want the whole world looking at my little girl’s sweet face.”

  Anderson reached for Caroline. “I understand. But it would be for a very good cause, and they wouldn’t use her name or address, of course. Boone said they honestly could lose their farm if they don’t raise funds fast enough.”

  “I know.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “But we could really use the money, Anderson. What about all of our bills?”

  “I hate to say it. But that sounds a little selfish, Grace.”

  She stood in silence for a while, and then let out a huge sigh. “I guess it would be okay.”

  Anderson nodded slowly. He knew she’d needed time on this one. “Thanks, darling. I’ll let Boone know.” Pride welled in his chest. For Grace to do something so generous was a sign of tremendous growth. In the past, she might have argued that they could use the money, too. Might have mentioned their late payments that they were still catching up on. Or a ring she’d had her eye on for months at the local jewelry store. But tonight, she’d agreed to give it up.

  Grace shivered. “Oh, it’s getting chilly. We’d better get this little one inside.”

  Anderson snuggled Caroline closer. “You’re right. Let’s get her to bed.”

  They turned and left the stallion still making his desperate calls to the mare, the age-old sound echoing in the chill night air

  ∞∞∞

  Tess made the call to the Little Angels Modeling agency. An unfamiliar male voice answered the phone.

  “Little Angels. How may I help you?”

  “Um, I’m calling for Susie Cromwell. Is she in?”

  “Let me see if I can get her for you. Be right back.”

  She heard some shuffling and voices in the background, and a few minutes later, Susie came on the line.

  “Sorry, I was just finishing up a photo shoot. How may I help you?”

  “Hi, Susie. It’s Tessie Hawke. We met in the market the other day?”

  “Oh, yes! Of course. I remember your little darlings very well. How are they doing?”

  “Fine, just fine.”

  “Have you reconsidered, Mrs. Hawke?”

  “Well, yes. And I did discuss the photos with their parents. Everyone’s on board.”

  Susie rustled some papers in the background. “Okay. Well, that’s wonderful news. Let me see when my next opening is, okay?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Apparently flipping through her book, she then finally came back on the line. “I was booked solid through next month, but I’ve got a cancellation day after tomorrow. Could you bring them to me around two o’clock?”

  “Thursday at two? Yes, I can do that.”

  “I’ll explain the whole process to you when you come in. If you want to bring the parents, that’s fine, too.”

  “No, it’ll just be me. Their folks have to work.”

  “No worries. I’ll take the photos after you and I talk, and then you can bring home the photo releases for their folks to sign. I’ll give you a whole package about how we pay you, when you get the first installment, etc. I’ve already got a few companies in mind for these little cuties. I’m thinking Beechnut, Pampers, and a few others.”

  “Really?” Tessie smiled broadly. “Oh, my.”

  “I’m sorry to hurry you off the phone, but I’m being summoned. Must get back to the job.”

  “Oh, no worries, Susie. I totally understand. We’ll see you Thursday.”

  “Right. All you have to do is bring the kids to me and we’ll be on our way.”

  They hung up, and Tess replaced the receiver gently. Maybe she’d found a way to save the farm, after all.

  Chapter 16

  The office seemed new. Fresh pink paint covered the walls. Baby blue carpet lined the waiting room floor. And a pretty young man with spiky blue hair sat at the desk, tapping at a tablet. Tessie tried to remember what they called it… an iPod? No, it was an iPad. Ned was talking about getting one for Christmas last year, but they’d checked out the prices and it had been way out of their reach.

  Tessie wheeled the stroller into the reception area and waited for the fellow to look up. Finally, he finished swiping his fingers around his iPad and glanced at the clock, and then down at his screen. “You must be Mrs. Hawke?”

  “Yes. I’m here to see Susie Cromwell. She’s going to photograph my grandchildren.”

  “I see.” He pursed his lips, and then slid a phone from his pocket, tapping a number. “Mrs. Hawke is here. Are you ready for her?”

  He swiped the screen, pocketed it, and then gave her a saccharin smile. “Go right on back.”

  “Thank you.”

  The boy busied himself, vaguely gesturing to the door behind his desk.

  Feeling nervous, Tessie rolled the children toward the door, which suddenly swung open, revealing the smiling face of Susie Cromwell.

  “There you are. Right on time. Come on in.” She trotted toward a table in the corner of the room full of lights, props, and a tripod with a fancy looking camera attached to it. “I was just grabbing a bite to eat between clients. You’ll have to excuse the mess.”

  Tessie noted a half-eaten sandwich, opened bag of chips, and a bottle of orange soda on the table. “Oh, please. Why don’t you finish your lunch? We can sit over here and wait.”

  There was a wooden bench on one wall, and Tessie headed for it.

  “Don’t be silly. Come over and join me and we can discuss the project while I munch.”

  Tessie nodded. “Okay. Sure.”

  When she settled the children near the table, she sat in a chair across from Susie and smiled. “So far they’re in good moods. They had a nice long nap and had a good lunch.”

  “Exce
llent,” Susie said, chewing on her tuna on rye. “It really helps when they’re rested. Not many clients want pictures of crying babies.” She laughed and emptied the bag of chips onto a napkin. “Have one, if you’d like?”

  Tessie shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ve had my lunch.”

  “Okay. Well, now. Here’s how it works.” She crumpled up the chip bag and tossed it into a nearby waste can. “I’ll set up each child individually on that rug over there. I have lots of toys and such for us to distract them with.”

  “I see.”

  “Once I have a few hundred shots of each, we’ll call it a day.”

  “So many?”

  “Well, yes. It sometimes takes a thousand shots to get one good one.”

  “Really?” Tessie leaned over to give Caroline her bottle. “I think she wants a little more.”

  “I might have to ask you to wait in the reception area if the children seem too bonded to you. But only if you’re okay with that, naturally. You’d be right outside the door. And if they start crying, of course I’ll come get you.”

  Tessie felt uneasy. “Why is that again?”

  “They might only have eyes for you, and not look at the toys or the camera lens when I need them to. I’m sure you understand?”

  She shifted in her seat. “I guess so. As long as I’m right on the other side of the door.”

  “Why don’t you take them out of the stroller and let them get used to the area? They can play together over on that furry rug.”

  Tessie unbuckled the children and one by one carried them to the play area. She settled them down, and then took out several of the toys from a nearby cardboard box. “Here you go, Joey. Look at this nice truck. And here’s a puppy for you to play with, Caroline.” She nuzzled the little girl’s cheeks with the stuffed animal. “There you go.”

  Both children seemed thrilled with the new playthings, chortling and giggling. Tessie was proud of them.

  Susie sat down beside them, engaging each of them in play. She glanced up at Tessie. “I want them to feel comfortable with me. To trust me.”