The sun did come out, and as predicted the ground beneath her feet steamed and started to bake. Doreen walked out and crossed the road to the shoreline. There was no one or anything around for miles. She felt more alone than she ever had—even when traversing the country on her bike.
When she got to the beach, she sank down onto her knees and felt the vomit rise. With every muscle clenched, she brought up the contents of her stomach—which was not much since she had not eaten in almost twelve hours. She retched until there was nothing left but spit.
Afterward she collapsed onto her back. She felt as if her insides were pulling loose from their foundation. She couldn’t stop shaking.
Between deep gulps of breath, pictures flashed like filmstrips behind her closed eyes. Her father, mother, brother, life, exes, people she had wronged and hurt, lies she had created to keep herself functioning on the run. Away from anything that resembled commitment. Away from anyone who tried to love her.
She sat up, lightheaded but better.
“Go home.” Al’s voice resonated in her head. “Go home and love your family.”
EIGHTEEN
Same day
St. Augustine
Lindy charmed the elderly lady at the front desk of the St. Augustine Public Library.
“Oh, I just love your scarf. It’s so colorful.”
The attendant smiled and fingered the scarf, “Oh! Well, thank you. My granddaughter gave it to me for Christmas. It’s so light on such a dreary day!”
“Indeed, it is!”
“What can I help you with, ma’am?”
Lindy leaned in. “Well, you see, I’m on a bit of a mission. I’m a writer and I’m looking to do a short story on your lovely town. It’s for a travel magazine, you see.”
The attendant nodded. “Oh sure. We get a few people in here looking for things to write about. But I’d say the best way to write about our beautiful town is to go outside and see it all for yourself!”
“Well, I can certainly appreciate that. And I have been around town. It’s charming! But I think I’d like to look through old newspapers to see if there is anything exciting to write about. Like, history, or …”
“Oh, I see. Well let me take you back to the microfiche machine. You can scroll through the newspapers that way. Have you ever used a microfiche machine before?”
Lindy thought, what, does she think I was born yesterday? “I think so!”
“What year are you interested in?” The attendant scuttled in front of Lindy. “I can set you up with a few if you need.”
“Well, how about this past year? I can start there and go back if nothing sounds interesting to write about.”
The attendant frowned. “What kind of interesting things are you looking for? This is a small town, and not much happens. Maybe the yearly festivals and so on.”
“Well, what about that old motel up on route A1A. Anything interesting ever happen over there?”
The attendant cocked her head. “A motel … well, there was a little bit of scuttlebutt back last year about an excavation project gone wrong, but the police were very tight-lipped about it. Wouldn’t let any reporters up there. Some gal from up north wanted to renovate it. To be honest, I think most people have forgotten about it. The motel is way out there over the ancient bridge. She may even have sold it.”
Lindy felt her excitement gather. “Oh, I wouldn’t know about that, but it might interesting. You know, a point of history for someone to visit.”
The librarian waved her hand, “Oh, there’s nothing to see over there but some broken-down buildings. Nothing a tourist would spend their time on.”
Lindy was getting tired of the old biddy. “Well, how ’bout I go ahead and look through the old newspapers to see if something grabs my attention?”
“Suit yourself.” She showed Lindy how to load the cassette and move the levers.
When Lindy finally had the space to herself, she began her search.
She didn’t find anything particularly exciting; the attendant was right. The town was a complete bore—until she happened upon a small article dated June 26, 1980:
LET’S MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT!
The sleepy little hamlet of Heatherton County isn’t so sleepy this morning! An unusual discovery was made two days ago at the newly renovated Pagoda Motel. Owner Miss Lorna Hughes, Esq., of Cleveland, Ohio, was shocked to find out that buried underneath her recently excavated badminton court were human remains.
Earl Driver, of Earl Driver and Sons Excavation, was the first to see the find. He states that he and his crew were at the property to dig out an area for a new garden.
“When we got there, the asphalt had been removed and we just started hammering down. The first chunk came out at about four feet. As soon as we were able to get the big equipment in there to yank it all up, we found the bones.”
Miss Hughes was not available for comment. Local policeman, Officer Steve Kent, said, “What has happened here is a shock to us all.”
Local FBI were reluctant to comment as well but did say that the remains were under investigation.
Also found underneath the swimming pool was an old rusted van. It is purported that the van with New Jersey plates was used to bring the bodies to their final resting place at The Pagoda Motel.
Further reports will be forthcoming.
Pictured below:
The pit where the bodies were uncovered.
Roger Franklin, Reporter at Large
She nodded her head and said to herself, “I knew it!” She continued her search all the way through until December 31, 1980, but found nothing more.
On her way out of the library she thanked her lucky stars that the attendant was busy with other library members checking out books. She scooted past the line and made her way down the steps and onto the sidewalk.
Alice had been waiting for Lindy on a park bench in the middle of town.
“So? You find anything?”
Lindy sat down next to her. “Yep. Bones.”
“Bones?”
“Buried at the motel.”
Lindy recounted the article while Alice’s eyes grew big. “Holy shit. So … wow. Do you think this has anything to do with Doreen?”
“I don’t know, but I’m guessing so.”
When Doreen arrived back at the motel, it was close to dinner time. She went to her cabin only to find Anya and Milton hammering boards onto the floor beams. The dirt was gone.
“Wow,” she exclaimed.
Anya stood up, “I think we matched the floor wood, no?”
“It’s pretty amazing.”
“I know it looks to be newer than the other wood. The other is scuffed up, but I think it won’t matter very much since the fridge is going to be over it, donchu think?”
“I do.”
Anya studied Doreen. “You look to be very tired, Miss Doreen. Have you had any food today yet?”
Doreen shook her head. “No, but I’m pretty hungry now. You two eat yet?”
“Come, we will let Milton finish, and I will feed you. I made stew this afternoon.”
Doreen took Anya by the shoulders and hugged her. Anya hugged her back. “All will be okay, Miss Doreen. You will see.”
Doreen held Anya and spoke. “I just felt like giving you a hug. You are so special to me. You’re like family. You know?”
“Yes. I do. And we are.”
NINETEEN
Same Day
Alice and Lindy decided to have dinner at Mac’s Crab Shack after the library jaunt.
“I wonder how Lorna met Doreen. She’s not really the artist type.”
“I think Lorna mentioned that Doreen happened upon the motel one day by mistake, or something to that effect.”
Lindy pursed her lips. “A mistake? The place is totally off the beaten track. I mean …”
“Well, maybe it’s not for us to know that right now.”
“Well, I for one want to know all about it.” She stood up. “I have to repair to the l
adies’ room.”
The ladies’ room at Mac’s was barely short of an outhouse. Alice would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when Lindy went to repair.
Lindy returned to the table and sat down heavily. “Gawd, what a shithole. I thought I was going to lose my lunch at one point. Man. Squat, let it rip, wipe, then get the hell out.”
Alice grimaced. “Pretty much.”
Lindy opened a fresh Wet-Nap and aggressively wiped her hands. “But the food is top notch. I’ve never eaten such fresh fish.”
Alice finished her beer. “Listen. I was thinking. Maybe you ought to put this bone-finding thing aside for now. From what you said, Doreen was upset last night. Maybe now isn’t the best time to lampoon all that stuff. After all, Lorna never told us about it. I figure if she wanted it to be public knowledge with us, she would have said something.”
Lindy waved her hand, “I’m not going to do anything sinister, Alice. I think the history of the motel is rather interesting, and it makes for good entertainment.”
Alice knew she was fighting a losing battle. Lindy was headstrong, determined to get to the real story.
Alice shrugged. “Do whatcha gotta do.”
***
Later that evening at the motel
The phone in the lobby rang. Doreen was getting out of the shower. She was exhausted.
“Pagoda Motel, this is Doreen.”
A loud voice on the other end of the phone screeched. “Doreen, it’s me, Betty. Vinnie’s had a heart attack.”
Doreen pulled the towel up close to her body. “What? When?”
Betty spoke quickly. “He was out on the veranda. He said he didn’t feel well at dinner. Thought it was gas. When I went to check up on him, he had fallen out of the lounger and was half conscious. I called nine-one-one, and by the time they got here he was having the attack.”
Doreen stood stock still. “Is he dead?”
“Not yet. But the doctors aren’t sure he will make it through the night. Will you come?”
Doreen couldn’t answer. Lorna was due back in the morning, and Doreen planned to pick her up at the airport in Jacksonville. “I …”
Betty said, “Doreen!”
Doreen snapped to. “Of course, I’ll be there. It’s going to take me at least six hours to get down there, if not more. But if I leave now …” Her exhaustion now replaced with terror. She could not imagine losing Vinnie. Not on top of everything that had gone on. She was too raw.
After they spoke for another moment, Doreen let the handset dangle in her hand. “This can’t be happening.” She hung up the phone.
Anya decided that Doreen must take her van. “You will not ride the motorcycle down to Miami right now. It is too late and too dark. It is not safe. You are upset of course. I know Miss Lorna would want it that way.”
Doreen was finding it hard to put her thoughts together. She finally said, “Thanks, Anya. Will you please call Lorna in the morning and tell her? It’s too late to call now.”
“Yes, and if Miss Lindy cannot pick Miss Lorna up, I will take Miss Lorna’s van to go to Jacksonville.”
Doreen hugged her. “I don’t know how to thank you during all this.” She stepped back from Anya. “You won’t say anything, will you, about what happened? I can’t tell her yet. Not until I know more about Vinnie.”
Anya nodded and pushed Doreen out the door. “Of course I won’t. It is your story anyhow. Now, here is the rest of the beef stew you can eat cold if you get hungry. And you have a jug of water?”
“I do.”
“Let us know when you get there. We will pray.”
“Thanks, Anya.”
TWENTY
Tuesday, January 6, 1981
At eight-thirty in the morning, Anya phoned Lorna. “Hello, Miss Lorna, it is Anya.”
“Anya? Is everything okay?”
“Well, everything here at the motel is fine. But Miss Doreen had to go quickly down to Miami to see Uncle Vinnie. He had a heart attack last night.”
“Oh my God, why didn’t someone call me?”
“It was quite late, and Miss Doreen didn’t want you to be concerned. I made her take my van and not the motorcycle. She was so upset. She told me to call you now, which I am doing of course, and tell you that Miss Lindy will pick you up at the airport at one o’clock today.”
“Well I’m glad you insisted on the van. But …”
“I know. It was so quick, you see. She had to get there fast.”
“Have you heard from her?”
“She called when she arrived. She is safe, and Vinnie is still alive.”
“Well, that’s good to hear,” Lorna hesitated. “But I really wish one of you had called me. It didn’t matter how late it was.”
Anya swallowed, “Of course, I understand. But you see, she didn’t want to worry you, what with you being so far away.”
“Well, I’m not happy about this, Anya. One of you should have called. I’m concerned.”
“It happened so fast. I’m sure Miss Doreen will call you today.”
“I’m leaving for the airport in about an hour. If you talk to her, please tell her to call me right away.”
“I will. Don’t worry, Miss. Everything is just fine here at the motel.”
When Lorna hung up the phone, she had a funny feeling in her gut. Something was not right. She was concerned about Vinnie, but more vexed about why Doreen didn’t call her.
Lorna went into her bedroom to pack her suitcase. Her heart beat heavy in her chest.
Something did not feel right.
And she couldn’t put her finger on it.
She needed to get home.
TWENTY-ONE
January 6, 1981
Miami Memorial Hospital
Miami
Doreen had fallen into a fitful sleep. She was startled awake by someone tripping over her extended legs.
“’Scuse me.” An elderly gentleman mumbled as he shuffled toward an empty chair.
Doreen quickly remembered that she was in the CCU waiting area at Miami Memorial Hospital.
She drew in her legs and sat up straight. She panicked; she needed to call Lorna. “Shit, what time is it?”
“Around ten-thirty.” Her cousin Richie, who was sitting across from her, looked like she felt—crusty and achy.
She stood up and looked around for a pay phone. She remembered Vinnie. “Any word?”
“Nah. Still breathing with the tube.”
“Where’s Eddie?”
“Went to open the station. Betty’s on her way. Why don’t you head back to the house and get a shower?”
“Yeah, I should do that. But I’m afraid to leave. What if something happens and I’m not here.”
Her cousin shrugged. “Gonna happen whether you’re here or not. Know what I mean?”
“Yeah, you’ve got a point there. I’m going to head over to the house. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Thanks, Richie.” She leaned over him to kiss his cheek.
Richie said, “You know, I like your lady friend. She’s real nice. Nice looking, too. Christmas was fun with her. Vinnie liked her, too. We all think you done good, Doe. Real good.”
Doreen squeezed his shoulder and left the room.
***
Jacksonville International Airport
Lorna’s flight landed on time, and Lindy was at the gate to greet her.
“I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to come and fetch me.”
“Oh, any excuse to drive Midnight. It’s gorgeous out now, but you know Florida. One minute you’re on the beach in full sun, and the next you’re running for cover from a deluge! I’ve got the top down. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Looking forward to it. I’ll give you gas money.”
Lindy waved her off. “Not necessary.”
They retrieved Lorna’s bag. “Do you mind if I make a quick phone call?” Lorna asked.
“How about I bring the car around. I parked in short term. I’ll meet you in fron
t.”
“Perfect.” Lorna made a collect call to the motel. Anya answered and accepted the charges. “Hi. Just landed. Any news from Doreen?”
“Not yet. Is Lindy there now?”
“She’s pulling the car around.”
“Good. I’m glad you are back safe and sound. Well, I will tell Miss Doreen if she calls that you are on your way back to the motel.”
Lorna was about to hang up the phone, but asked, “Anya, is everything else okay? You sound a little weird.”
“Weird? What weird? No, everything is just fine. All is well.”
Lorna was not convinced.
Something felt so off.
***
Pagoda Motel
While Anya was straightening up the lobby for Lorna’s arrival, Alice walked in.
“Oh, hello, Miss Alice. So nice to see you today.”
“Hi, Anya. Hey, um. Lindy told me she was going to pick Lorna up at the airport because Doreen’s uncle had a heart attack?”
“Oh yes, this is true. Miss Doreen is down in Miami right now.”
Alice cleared her throat. “Okay, sure. Well, have you heard from Doreen? About her uncle?”
“Oh, si. In the intensive care unit, still with the breathing machines and such.”
“Ah, that’s too bad. I hope he pulls through. So … um.”
Anya stopped dusting. “Yes, Miss?”
Alice fidgeted with things on the reception counter. “Yeah, uh. I was just wondering …”
Anya raised her eyebrows and waited.
Alice blurted out, “Do you know anything about the bones that were found on this property last year?”
Anya took a deep breath and gathered herself into her small strong frame. “What?”
Alice ran her hand over her face. “Ah shit.”
Anya set down her dust rag and approached her. “Why would you ask?”
“So, it’s true?”
Ladies of Pagodaville Page 12