by V.
“Doc.” Daniel reached for his arm. “How can that happen? How can Sarah connect to Alexander or to Hank’s dad for that matter? How—”
“She’s both a psychic and a medium, which, as I understand it, is quite unique and precious. She’s had these abilities since she was little, so did Conrad’s grandmother. It’s a talent that very few people are born with, like being a prodigy in the arts or sciences.”
“Psychic and medium? Aren’t they the same?”
“From what I’ve gathered, not all psychics are mediums. A psychic can connect with the present and the future; a medium serves as a vessel between this life and the afterlife. Sarah can do both.”
“And Alexander showed her the screenplay instead of talking with her? Why so elaborate? Why not tell her and get it over with?”
“He said that’s what writers do—show and not tell.”
“That sounds like him.”
“Apparently, Alexander also wrote a book, unpublished. He left them both for you to finish.”
“Me? Why would he do that? I’m not a writer.”
“Well, Sarah should be the one to address that with you since she’s been the one communicating with him. Let me bring her in, if that’s okay.”
“Sure.”
Dr. Lawrence opened the door. “Come in, Sarah. He’s doing well, his memory’s back, and he’s full of questions.”
“Daniel,” she said, holding her hands out to him, “you look good in spite of that second beating Hank gave you.”
Daniel reached for her hands and pulled her to him, embracing her tightly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sarah.”
Sarah blushed and giggled as he released her from the embrace.
“I’m glad you’re so happy,” she said. “This ordeal has been quite a roller coaster for you.”
“Where’s Conrad? I’d like to thank him, too.”
“He’s with Billy. By the way, he also asked to see you. Doc doesn’t want too many of us in here at the same time.”
“But I’m fine, Doc.”
“Just the same,” Dr. Lawrence said. “I’ll leave you two alone for a moment, and then I’ll bring Billy in. He’s got something to tell you.”
He smiled and left the room.
Daniel slid to one side and tapped the bed for Sarah to sit down.
“Okay, what questions do you have for me?”
“Can you really speak with Hank’s father?”
“Yes, but it was Alexander who facilitated the exchange.”
“How can that happen? How do you do it? How come Alexander is talking with you? Why would he do that?”
“Whoa,” Sarah smiled and tapped Daniel’s hand. “One question at a time, okay?”
Daniel nodded.
“The most important thing for you to know is that Alexander’s been trying to help you.”
“But he’s dead.”
“Yes, but not gone.”
Daniel shook his head in disbelief. “It’s so—” he paused, searching for the right word.
“Paranormal?” Sarah offered.
“I’d be terrified if I were you.”
“Tell me about it,” she joked. “It’s taken me a lifetime to overcome my fear and not run away from it. I’ve come to accept it as a gift that allows me to help others—even myself.”
“So Alexander told you all about me and what happened in the summer of 1976?”
“Well, he actually showed me. He refused to tell. The writer in him had to show me the story scene by scene. To be honest, it nearly drove me crazy. I couldn’t make heads or tails of it for the longest time.”
“It’s embarrassing.. .my story,” Daniel said, almost in a whisper. “Nonsense, Daniel. There’s nothing embarrassing about it. You were an honest, caring boy who got tangled up in an adult web of deceit.”
“My father—”
“Your father’s decision to end his life had nothing to do with you. Yes, you confronted him, but he could’ve chosen to face his demons and atone for his conduct. The decision to take his life was his and his alone. I would hope that you’ve reached that same conclusion.”
Daniel nodded. “Intellectually, maybe, but not emotionally. The scar ran so deep that I couldn’t shake it. I haven’t allowed myself to love—I mean, truly love—a woman, or anyone else. I’ve always feared it—dreaded the possible betrayal. But now I’m different.”
“What’s changed?”
“Being free of my past allowed me to fall head over heels in love with Elisabeth.”
“Then I take it you’re not married? The woman and teenager you recalled are not your wife and child?”
“No, those were the images of Mrs. Foster and my very first love, Ellie, my beautiful blond neighbor back home.”
Sarah smiled. “Which means you’re free to be with Elisabeth. That should be wonderful news for you both.”
Daniel beamed. “Oh yeah.”
“And your fear of love?”
He shrugged. “It’ll have to take a back seat.”
“Good.”
The door opened, and Dr. Lawrence entered with both Williams and Conrad.
“Conrad,” Daniel cried out. “Thank you for all you’ve done, and for letting Sarah do her thing.” He reached out for Conrad’s hand and gave it a heartfelt shake.
“You’re welcome, Daniel. Good to find you so chipper.”
“Mr. Michaels,” Williams said, “I owe you an apology. I treated you—” “No apology necessary, Sheriff. And since I’m no longer a suspect, I hope you’ll call me Daniel.”
“For sure,” Williams said with a nod, “and please call me Billy. Everyone does.”
“Hard to believe,” Daniel said, “that Hank turned out to be responsible for your father’s death. And all these years you had no idea?”
Williams shot a quick glance at Sarah before answering, “No. We concluded it had been a hunting accident, but we...” He hesitated. “We weren’t certain who’d pulled the trigger.”
“In a way it did turn out to be an accident,” Sarah added. “Hank didn’t set out to kill him, but alcohol and anger got the better of him, and in the end he couldn’t stop himself.”
“A tragic loss of a good man,” Dr. Lawrence said.
“Daniel,” Williams said, “I need your approval for a crime-scene cleaning crew to come into your home and remove all the blood and mess left behind in the foyer.”
“My home.. .sounds odd.”
Williams glanced at Dr. Lawrence, concerned that Daniel hadn’t recovered all his memory. The doctor nodded reassuringly.
“Is it okay, then?” Williams asked again. “Blood has many contaminants, and I suggest we get you a specialized crew with experience in cleaning up crime scenes. You’ll have to pay for it; the state doesn’t do it for you, but we can have it done while you’re laid up here.”
“Yeah, for sure. Thanks,” Daniel said. “Have you found my wallet and the rental car?”
“We’re still looking,” Williams said. “I’m sure we’ll find it all hidden somewhere in the Ferguson farm. Hank’s been real cooperative since he decided to atone.”
A couple of days later, Daniel was released from the hospital. However, Elisabeth remained behind. The concussion had affected her sense of balance and temporarily caused a problem with certain words.
This time around, it was Daniel who visited every day, reading to her and keeping her spirits up.
“They found my rental car,” Daniel said as they strolled through the small hospital garden. “Hank had stripped the license plates and given it to his buddies as payment for some gambling debts.”
“That’s good,” Elisabeth said with a smile. “Your wallet—you got it back? Did you already tell me?”
“Yes, I did, and yes I got it back.” He gently caressed her hand that rested on his arm.
“Will they let me go home soon? I’m a lot better now. I’m no longer having trouble with words, although I do have some short memory lapses here and there, but Doc s
ays it’s nothing serious. I have a deeper understanding of what you must’ve felt. It’s unbearably frustrating.”
“I’ve asked Doc to let you come and stay at my place.. .well, Alexander’s, so I can take care of you. It’s a lot closer to the hospital than your home.” “You don’t have to do that,” she protested.
“I don’t have to, but I want to,” he said, and placed a kiss on her cheek. She smiled and kissed him back. “Amazing how good it feels that we don’t have to hide our feelings from everybody.”
“It sure does.”
“Will Doc entrust me to you?”
“He’s going to run a couple of more tests on you today, and if everything checks out, there’s no reason why you can’t stay with me. Sarah said she’d go by your house and pick up whatever you need, just give her a list.”
“Boy, what a difference recovering your memory makes. You’re not married; no one is waiting for you, you can stay here in your new home and—by the way—who was that woman you believed was your wife?”
“No one important. An old memory from my early teens.”
“Odd then, isn’t it, that you’d remember her?”
“Yeah, I guess. My memory came back in bits and pieces, with the biggest blast coming back when we were in the mine. I’m still sorting it all out.”
“I wish I’d been conscious to hear all of that. Sarah’s something else, isn’t she?”
They’d made their way around the garden several more times when Elisabeth slowed.
“Do you need to sit down?”
“No, I’m fine. It’s odd that Pitman left you his entire estate. Why would he do that?”
Daniel shrugged. “He had no one else, apparently.”
“I find it hard to believe. I wonder if—”
“Whoa, Sherlock, there will be plenty of time for you to sleuth around once you’re fully recovered. For now, let’s focus on you.”
She smiled. “Okay. You’re sure there’s enough room at his—at your house?” “It looked big from the outside, right?”
“Yeah, but sometimes the inside is—”
“The inside is as big. Don’t worry.”
Connie, one of the hospital nurses, approached them with a broad smile that lit up her face. “Okay, you two love birds, time to part. Doc’s ready to run those tests. Daniel, you can wait if you like, or I can call you when she’s done.” “I’ll wait, Connie, thanks. I’d like to find out when I can take her home.” “That’s fine. Doc’s waiting in his office along with Dr. Baylor.”
Two days later, Elisabeth was finally released from the hospital. She insisted on packing her own clothes and toiletries. Sarah fetched her from the hospital and drove her home to gather some things. They picked up Conrad, and he drove them to Daniel’s home.
As they entered the clearing where Alexander’s house stood, Elisabeth shivered. “I got so scared when the Sheriff drove by, and we hid. You should’ve seen us. I was shaking.”
“You guys were very lucky fools,” Conrad said.
“You’re so right,” Elisabeth giggled, gazing up at the house. “It’s quite a place isn’t it?”
“It’s beautiful,” Sarah said. “I never imagined Alexander living in a place like this when he first introduced himself to me.”
“You’ll have to tell me more about him and that movie. I’m all right now, so there’s no need to tiptoe around me anymore.”
As they pulled up to the house, Daniel raced down the porch steps and greeted Elisabeth with a big hug and kiss. “Welcome, my love!”
Embarrassed by his enthusiasm, Elisabeth blushed and giggled.
Beaming, Daniel hugged Sarah and kissed her on the cheek. “Welcome, Woman of Many Talents.” He shook Conrad’s hand effusively. “And welcome to you, Conrad.”
“What, no superlatives for me?”
“Sorry.” Daniel laughed. “But I only have eyes for these two beautiful ladies.”
“Fair enough,” Conrad said as he popped the trunk open.
“Let me get that,” Daniel said.
“No, you escort the beautiful ladies inside. I’ll bring Elisabeth’s things in.”
Holding both women by the elbow, Daniel did as he was told.
“Boy.” Elisabeth sighed as she stepped into the house. “This foyer is beautiful. Look at the workmanship on that staircase.”
“Daniel,” Sarah said, “I can’t help but notice that it smells delicious in here. What have you prepared for us?”
Daniel smiled. “A Spanish tapa of alioli with mushrooms and clams in a potato parsley sauce. A typical Spanish meal to welcome Elisabeth home— well, the home that belonged to Alexander—a man who loved Spain. And also in honor of your heritage, Sarah.”
Conrad stepped into the foyer with Elisabeth’s suitcases. “Where shall I put these?”
“The first room on the right at the top of the stairs. Thanks, Conrad.”
“Alexander lived in Spain?” Elisabeth wondered. “Is that where he wrote his novels?”
“Mostly he painted portraits while he lived there. In fact all the paintings here are his. Come on, I’ll show you the library, unless you’d like to unpack first.”
“No need,” Elisabeth said. “I’m dying to learn more about this mystery man.”
“C’mon, then.” Daniel marched to the library and proudly swung open the door.
Elisabeth stepped in and glanced around the room, her eyes full of curiosity until she noticed the painting of a young Daniel hanging on the wall and froze. She stared at it in amazement, turned to Daniel, gasped, and fainted.
Sarah grabbed her in time to break the fall.
Daniel rushed over, and together they eased her onto the floor as she came to.
“Elisabeth, what happened? Are you all right?” a concerned Daniel asked as he caressed her face and supported her head.
“You’re Danny,” she whispered.
“Yes, I’m Daniel,” he said as he glanced at Sarah, puzzled by Elisabeth’s statement.
“No, I mean, you’re my Danny, from home.”
“What do you mean?”
She reached up and touched his cheek. “Charlevoix. You’re my Danny from Charlevoix.”
Daniel paled as he slowly grasped her meaning. “You.. .you’re E//ie?”
She nodded as tears flooded her eyes.
He pulled her to him in a fierce embrace, both sobbing uncontrollably. Conrad entered the library and found Sarah sitting on the floor while Daniel and Elisabeth wept in each other’s arms. “What happened?” Perplexed, he helped Sarah to her feet.
“They just realized that he’s Danny and she’s Ellie,” Sarah whispered. “They didn’t know?”
Sarah motioned to him, and they quietly went out, closing the door behind them.
Daniel pulled Elisabeth up and wrapped her in a delicate embrace. He softly wiped her tears away. “Ellie. My Ellie. No wonder I fell for you so fast and so deeply,” he whispered. “I never stopped loving you.”
“Really?” she said in a small voice. “I loved you so, and yet, you dumped me. You broke my heart, Danny. What happened?”
“It’s a long, sordid story, which I’ll tell you—actually, you can read all about it. Alexander wrote our entire story in a book and a screenplay—the very movie that played in Sarah’s head.”
“You’re kidding. He wrote about you and me? How did he know us?” “That summer of ’76—that’s when I met him.”
“That’s the friend you were secretly meeting?”
“The very same.”
“Oh my God. That’s why he left you this house?”
“And his millions.”
“Millions?”
Daniel nodded shyly. “Millions.”
Elisabeth kissed him softly. “You don’t have to be a chef anymore to earn a living?”
“No.”
“Darn it, I was so looking forward to visiting foreign lands with you.” “Well, would you be terribly upset if we start with Paris?”
“Why
Paris?”
Daniel paused for dramatic effect and smiled. “That’s where my home is.” It was his turn to kiss her, only this time the kiss penetrated deep into their souls, reaching that place where they had first found love so many years before.
“Ellie,” he whispered, his lips not far from hers, “will you marry me?” Elisabeth’s eyes filled with tears, and with a sob of joy, she murmured, “Yes, Danny.”
They kissed and held each other, reclaiming the lost years.
“You live in Paris? Why didn’t you tell me?” Elisabeth asked finally.
“I wanted to surprise you. Actually, I own a small restaurant and—” “They must’ve been horrified all these months not hearing from you.” “They were worried, but they’ve managed in my absence quite well. They were glad to hear from me and are eager to meet you when we go home.” “Boy, oh boy! Paris, and your own restaurant. Wow!”
“C’mon,” Daniel stood up and reached for her hand. “Let’s give them the good news.” They rushed out of the library and into the living room where Sarah and Conrad were examining all the art and artifacts strewn about. “We’re engaged,” Elisabeth announced and hugged Sarah.
“That’s wonderful. You’ll both be very happy,” Sarah said as she turned to hug Daniel. “I didn’t expect you to get engaged so quickly.”
“Why not? After all, they’ve been in love for years.” Conrad said.
“This calls for a celebration. I’ll bring us a good bottle of champagne. Elisabeth, please get us four flutes. You’ll find them in the china cabinet to the right of the dining room,” Daniel said as she rushed off.
“Let me help you,” Sarah said as she followed her into the dining room. “I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with the place.”
Elisabeth chuckled as she fished out the flutes and handed two to Sarah. “It’ll be fun. But I’m really looking forward to Paris. Has he told you he lives there?”
Sarah nodded. “Billy found out from Alexander’s estate attorneys, and he, in turn, told us. How about that?”
“A whole new life.”
“Jet-setters.” Conrad said.
Elisabeth giggled. “Far from it—kinda fun, though.”
Daniel returned, champagne bottle in hand. He expertly opened it, filled the flutes, and passed them around. The two couples raised their glasses.