by Dana Mentink
They puzzled it over as they drove to the hospital for the second time that day. Bobby insisted that Ruth come home for a proper lunch and a nap after she sat with Bryce for several hours. Now her lunch sat precariously in her stomach as they returned. Ruth had an increasingly uneasy feeling. All of the frightening events from the past few months began to fit together. Who had an excellent knowledge of abalone, a connection to Reggie, and a definite need for money? She’d been so focused on the college people, she hadn’t considered the other person who fit all the criteria: Roxie Trotter, the woman who found Bryce on the beach. She shared her thoughts with Bobby.
“It is mighty coincidental, but why did she bother bringing Bryce to the hospital? If she’d already murdered Reggie she couldn’t have too much regard for the sanctity of life.”
“Maybe she remembered how much it hurt to lose her son and she couldn’t kill mine.” The thought sent a ripple up Ruth’s spine.
“And why bother running you down and breaking into the cottage? Doesn’t seem like there’s much for her to gain by that.” Bobby drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. “I think we’d better talk to Jack about all this again. When is Uncle Monk coming back?”
“He finally got a three o’clock flight. Bubby Dean is going to pick him up at the airport at six.” She felt a surge of relief even saying the words aloud. Monk would be home soon. They would pick up the pieces of their crazy life and move on. He would be right by her side until Bryce recovered and help her figure out the whole rotten mess. She held onto that thought firmly as Bobby drove her to visit her son.
Her eyes flooded with tears again at the sight of him. He was pale, so pale, against the white of the pillows, his face swollen in its white wrappings. An IV tube curled around his arm, and a monitor recorded the steady beat of his heart.
In her mind she heard the tiny beating of her twins’ hearts, and she held Bryce’s hand. Her three children, her three precious blessings from God. She had made mistakes, no doubt, but sitting there with one hand on her abdomen and the other in Bryce’s limp fingers, she knew. No one on earth could love these three children like she did. She would embrace even the smallest moment God gave her with them, and with His good grace they would live or die knowing that they were loved.
Tears flowed freely down her face as she pressed her cheek to his hand. “Lord, if it is Your will, help my son to heal. Help him to wake up and be there to love his new siblings. Help me to keep them all safe.”
She closed her eyes imagining the sound of their heartbeats outside and within.
Alva woke her some hours later when he clanked his toolbox down on the small table.
“Oh, sorry there,” he stage whispered. “Didn’t mean to startle ya. I figgered I’d just leave some candy for you and the buns in yer oven. The nurses said I shouldn’t bring it in so I hadta hide it in a laundry bag. Nurses is kinda crabby sometimes. Must be from hanging out with all them sick people. Or maybe it’s cuz they don’t let ’em roller skate in the hallways. Hungry, sweet cheeks?”
“No, not really.”
His forehead creased into a web of wrinkles. “Them babies might be up for a snack, though. You shouldn’t deprive them of their sugar. They need to crystallize their bones and all that, otherwise they’ll come out like rubber chickens.”
She laughed. “You may be right about that. What do you have in your stash today?”
“Oh, the usual, only I scored some red licorice at the grocery. Can’t chew it, though; sticks to my choppers.”
She selected a crumpled bag of jelly beans and they sat down to nibble. Alva ate his chocolate bar with gusto while he stared at Bryce.
He tossed the wrapper in the trash and pointed a sticky finger toward the stricken man. “So, when you figger he’s going to wake up?”
Tears crowded her eyes again. “He’s been badly hurt, Alva. The doctor’s aren’t sure. . .if he is ever going to wake up.”
Alva stared at her and then at Bryce. All at once he started to laugh. His chuckles grew louder and louder until tears ran down his face. “Those doctors is a hoot, ain’t they? Of course he’s a-goin’ to wake up. Everybody wakes up, iffen not here then in heaven. The likes of them doctors. So many years in them fancy schools and they ain’t learned a scootch.” He wiped his eyes.
She looked in amazement at Alva, a nutty old man who in the oddest moments saw things with such clarity that it took her breath away. She found herself filled with happiness at sharing a moment with him. She reached a hand out to his. “You are a great friend, Alva, and a very wise man.”
He grinned and tapped a finger to his temple. “That’s on account of the preservatives in this candy. Keeps a brain sharp, you know.”
A nurse poked her head in. “You aren’t handing out candy, are you, Mr. Hernandez? I specifically told you not to do that.”
He wiped a hand over his sticky mouth. “Who me? Nah. I’m just chatting is all.” He winked at Ruth and lowered his voice as the nurse left. “I’d better go. Nurse Atilla there will take my treasures if I’m not careful.” Alva dropped a kiss on Ruth’s cheek and got up to leave.
An odd thought popped into Ruth’s head. “Alva, will you do me a big favor?”
“Anything for you, sweet cheeks.” He listened to her request and scuttled off, checking the hallway in both directions for the nurse before he ventured out.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jack had an extra shot of coffee before he ventured to the hospital for the second time that day. He was terrified and elated at the same time. He knew it was wrong, with Bryce struggling to stay alive, but he also knew with a certainty that didn’t visit him often that he was meant to share his life with Bobby. He had to tell her that he loved her, he had to ask her to stay. He’d waited far too long already.
He found her in the third floor waiting room.
“Bryce’s condition hasn’t changed,” she told him. “Ruth has been sitting with him for hours. I’m worried about her.”
“Should she go home and lie down?”
“I think so. I basically carried her out of here at lunchtime, but she wasn’t having any part of it this time. She’s got her mind fixed on figuring out who did this to him. As a matter of fact, Ruth and I have been concocting some wild theories that we figured we better share with you.”
Noting the intensity on her face, Jack decided personal matters could wait a few more minutes. “You’ve got my undivided attention.”
They sat, and Bobby filled him in on all things abalone.
Jack raised an eyebrow. “So you think that shell is the key to whoever attacked him?”
“Yes, crazy as it sounds. You don’t look convinced.”
“Oh, it’s not that. Any theory is worth investigating at this point, and Ruth has delivered up some oddball solutions to previous crimes that have proven to be spot on. I’ve got another angle I’m working on. As a matter of fact, I’m meeting someone later today who may shed some light on things.”
“Good. We could use some light around here.”
“That’s for sure.” He coughed and cleared his throat, shifting on the hard plastic chair.
She looked closely at him. “Are you okay? You look kind of pale.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” He took a deep breath and took her hand. “Bobby, I want to talk to you about something other than murder and mayhem.”
Her black eyes were curious. “Shoot.”
“I’ve had some time to think about what’s important.” His words died away as she waited. Again he sucked in a deep breath and exhaled to steady the spasms in his stomach. “It’s been hard for me, after losing Lacey, to think about starting over, but here goes.”
He looked into her earnest face and his heart melted again, filled with a warmth he was hopeless to describe. “I love you, Bobby. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you. There is something about you that completes me, that gives me a reason to get up in the morning and fills a place in my heart that I didn’t know was empty.”
Her lips parted slightly. He thought he saw a sheen of moisture in her eyes.
Gaining courage, he forged ahead. “You are a huge part of my life and Paul’s life, and I want you to stay here, to make a life with me.” He waited, holding his breath.
She blinked. “Wow. I know how hard that was for you to say, Jack. I’m kind of surprised. I mean, I really hoped to hear that for a long time, but I’d kind of decided I was never going to.”
“I know. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but I’ve been stupid, afraid to commit, afraid of investing in someone again. I’m sorry it took so long, Bobby, but I’m ready now.”
“Oh, Jack. You are a wonderful man and a great father.” She squeezed his hand for a long moment before she let it go. “But I can’t stay.”
His mouth fell open. “What? Why not? Because I’ve been such a clod?”
Her smile was wistful. “No, not that. Let me think how to say it.”
She looked away for a moment, before her gaze returned to his face.
“It’s because I don’t think you’re over your wife.” She held up a hand when he started to protest. “I have to finish this. I think you convinced yourself you had a change of heart because I said I was leaving, not because you really wanted to commit.”
She reached out a hand to stroke his cheek. “I love you, Jack. You are so special to me, and maybe someday we can start a life together if neither of us has gone in a different direction, but I’m not going to force you into that decision. That’s not good grounds for a relationship.”
He started to speak, but she cut him off.
“It’s better this way, for both of us, and for your son. I’ll be sure to say good-bye to him before I leave for Utah.”
And she was gone.
Jack felt like he’d been hit with a two-by-four. He felt too weak to get up from the chair and go after her. His grand realization was too little, too late. Bobby was going to walk out of his life and Paul’s and leave him with an aching hole in his heart. He’d finally messed things up so badly they couldn’t be repaired.
His PDA beeped, reminding him of his appointment. The sound seemed far away, but it brought him back, at least enough for him to get to his feet. The pain in his gut did not lessen as he headed to the car. Why had he been such a fool? Bobby thought he was committing out of guilt, not out of love.
Maybe she was right. Was he really over Lacey? Did anyone ever really get over losing a spouse? Maybe he hadn’t gotten over it, but he’d been able to move beyond, he was sure. He was ready to start a new phase, as Ruth had put it. He believed that with all his heart. It didn’t matter, though, because Bobby didn’t believe it. She would move on, find someone else, and he would see her only when she came to visit Monk and Ruth. Darkness gripped his insides.
The road north to Pacifica seemed endless. The surf thundered along Highway 1, mirroring his own inner turbulence. Another storm was rolling in along the water, dark clouds massing on the horizon. He could not keep his thoughts from Bobby, with her easy laugh and gentle smile. Bobby falling in love with someone else, making a life with another man.
It was after four before he pulled up at the small stucco house set apart from the road by a scruffy patch of lawn. Mr. Glenn greeted him with a smile and a hearty hug. “Well, hello there, Detective. Come to work on another merit badge?” The man’s blue eyes sparkled from under white shaggy brows.
“No, Mr. Glenn. You made me do enough of those to earn my Eagle Award. I just had a question.”
“A question for your old scoutmaster? I can’t imagine what information you don’t have access to in your line of work. Come in, let’s get out of this wind.”
They settled into a tiny living room. Mr. Glenn brought Jack a cup of coffee. “If you don’t mind my saying so, you look a little down. Everything okay at work?”
“Oh, crazy as usual. Work is fine.”
“And Paul?”
“He broke his wrist falling down the stairs. He’s okay, but Louella is exhausted because she insists on holding his hand every time he goes up or down. I think the woman is about pooped out.”
Mr. Glenn laughed. “Louella can handle it. I recall her managing a den full of ten-year-old boys without breaking a sweat.”
“She could still do it, I’ll bet.” Jack put down his cup. “Anyway, that isn’t why I came. I remembered something you taught us a long time ago about knot tying. Do you recall that project?”
“Of course. I also recall you and Nate tying up Roger so thoroughly we had to cut him out with a knife.”
Jack laughed. “I blocked that out, I guess. I wonder if Roger has forgiven me.”
“Probably. What can I do to help you?”
Jack slid the photo of the knot over to him. “Do you recognize this type of knot?”
“Hmmm. Let me see. I’m thinking it’s a figure eight on a bight.”
“That’s what Ruth’s husband thought, too, but he said it isn’t the kind of knot they used a lot on board his ship.”
“I wouldn’t think so. It’s bulky and you need a lot of rope to tie it.”
“Yes. That’s why I came. I know it’s a shot in the dark, but I wondered if you might know what kind of hobbyist or professional might use this knot?”
Mr. Glenn frowned. “Well, rock climbers, maybe.” He winked at Jack. “Eagle Scouts, of course. That’s about all I can think of.”
Jack sat back feeling depleted. “We thought of the rock climbing angle, too. Nothing else comes to mind?”
“No, son, I surely wish I could be of more help, but the little gray cells aren’t what they used to be.”
“No problem.” They chatted for a while until Jack excused himself. “It was good to see you. I guess I better be hitting the road before the rain comes in. Thanks, Mr. Glenn.”
“Anytime, Jack.” The man walked him to the car. Wind swirled the leaves of a nearby bank of eucalyptus. Jack started the car and was pulling away from the curb when he noticed Mr. Glenn waving at him.
He backed up and rolled down the window.
The man leaned down. “I just thought of something. There is one other type of person who might use a knot like that.”
Jack’s eyes widened as he listened. “Thanks so much, Mr. Glenn. I’ll be in touch.”
He hit the accelerator and took off for Finny.
Nate was waiting for him when he returned, the printout in his hand. “You’re right, but how did you figure it out?”
“I didn’t. Mr. Glenn did.”
“Scoutmaster Glenn? No way.”
“Yes way.”
“Did he make you whittle a spoon or something while you were there?”
“No.” Jack’s thoughts whirled. “It’s the means, but what would the motive be?”
“That’s the million-dollar question.” Nate pulled on his mustache.
Jack’s mind raced. “Could it have something to do with abalone?”
“What did you say?”
“Abalone.”
The officer’s face screwed up in confusion. “Why would somebody get murdered for abalone? They don’t even make pearls.”
“There are all kinds of treasure, my friend.” Jack’s thoughts turned to Bobby. He wondered if he’d lost his treasure forever.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ruth held Bryce’s hand, stroking it gently, willing the life back into it. The doctor explained that they were easing up on the medicine, hoping he would show signs of coming around. So far, she’d seen no movement but the rise and fall of his chest. Not the slightest hopeful twitch in the long hours she’d sat there. The clock read six fifteen. Monk’s plane would touch down soon.
She got up to stretch her back muscles, shuffling around the small room cluttered with IVs and equipment of all sorts. The shell she’d asked Alva to deliver caught her eye again. She picked up the thing he’d pirated from the dentist’s office and held it to the light along with the shard that Roxie had given her. She rubbed her tired eyes, but the strange similarit
y remained.
How could it be? It was impossible. She twisted and turned them both until her hands ached.
Bobby arrived with a cup of decaf for her. “Looking at those shells again?”
“I’m telling you, Bobby, they both came from the same type of animal. Look here.” She handed them over.
Bobby held them close to her face. “I see what you mean, but how did Bryce get hold of a white abalone?”
“And how did Dr. Soloski? He said he bought it at a garage sale.”
“It’s possible, I suppose. Weird, but possible.” Bobby’s eyes moved along with her thoughts. “Whatever is going on around here, it all keeps coming back to the ocean.”
“Mmm hmm.” Ruth prowled around the tiny room some more trying to calm her jittery nerves. “I need to go for a walk on the beach. The walls are closing in. Will you go with me?”
“I would love to get some fresh air, but I don’t think Jack or Uncle Monk would approve.”
“I’ll leave a message at home for Monk, and you can call and leave word for Jack at the station. He can come along if he’d feel better about it.” Ruth thought she saw a wistful look on Bobby’s face for a moment.
Ruth called home and Bobby reported Jack was on the road, so she left a voice mail on his cell phone.
“Okay, Aunt Ruth. Let’s hit the beach before the sun goes down.”
Ruth kissed Bryce on the forehead, and they headed out.
The tang of salt air revived them both. It was still warm, but a wind blew the surf into puffs of white cotton and sent the few tourists scuttling back to town for hot coffee. They wouldn’t find it at Monk’s. He’d insisted they close the shop for a few days so Bobby would be free to babysit Ruth. She wondered how they were going to afford all the baby gear that currently crammed her house from floor to rafters. Only a supreme act of will kept her from opening their credit card bill to assess the damage.
They stopped in the shelter of some rocks and stared at the turbulent ocean. Waves dashed against the wall of rock that curved out into the water. It formed a sheltered cove for swimmers and divers, but not today. It was deserted save for a lone bird, poking for one last meal before the sun set.