by Mary May
Sabrina hugged Sherrilyn. “Do you need me to get you anything?”
She yawned. “No, I’m good, just tired. I think a nap will have me right as rain in no time.”
Sabrina got up off the bed. “Ok, I will let you get some rest, but call me if you need anything.” Sherrilyn nodded, already about half asleep. Sabrina said a short prayer for the health and well-being of her friend then quietly closed the door.
Once Sherrilyn had fallen asleep, Gideon wasted no time searching out Edgar. He had questions and he knew where to find the answers. He didn’t give the butler the courtesy of a knock to announce his presence; he just appeared in his room. Edgar was sitting at a small table facing the door. It looked like Gideon was expected. He didn’t look surprised to see him, but then again nothing seem to shake the man.
Gideon stood in the center of the room and looked around at the bare walls and simple furnishings. There wasn’t anything to reflect the man’s hobbies or interests. It was as impersonal as a hotel room, even though he had lived there for years. Edgar didn’t speak; it seemed that he was waiting on Gideon. He just sat there watching him with his usual bland expression on his face. Gideon paced back and forth, his wings bristling with aggravation; finally he turned and stared down at Edgar
“Does Sherrilyn know you can see me?” he asked.
“No,” was the reply.
“Did you know that she could?” he asked.
“Yes,” was the reply.
Gideon questioned the butler about the Laskers, where they came from and if they could see spiritual beings. All he got was one word answers; he would answer the question but offered nothing extra. What he found out was the Laskers came from Germany, which he already knew, and that they could not see spiritual beings. He finally hit a brick wall when he asked what he had given Sherrilyn. He finally saw a flicker of emotion in the old man’s eyes
“I won’t answer that question. I will tell you this; I would never do anything to harm Miss Sherrilyn or Miss Sabrina and her child. On that you have my word.”
Gideon scowled at him. “How are you able to see me?”
Edgar was silent for so long that Gideon thought this was another question he wasn’t going to get an answer to. Finally the man spoke. “I can see you because I have been where you come from, warrior.”
Gideon watched the old man carefully. “You have been in the heavens?”
Edgar gave a short nod. “Yes.”
It was like pulling teeth getting information out of this man. Gideon ground his teeth. “So what you’re telling me is that you have died and you were brought back?”
Again the butler gave a short nod. Gideon could feel the tic in his jaw, a sure sign he was about to lose his cool. “I’m going to try this a little differently. You start at the point where you died and were brought back and keep going until you reach today’s date.”
That got a reaction out of the man; he raised his brow and pointed to the seat across from him. “You may want to have a seat, warrior; this is going to be a long answer.”
Gideon sat down across the table from the butler and waited for him to begin. He was surprised when Edgar unbuttoned his shirt sleeve and rolled the cuff halfway up his right arm then held it out for Gideon to see. There was a line of numbers tattooed on his arm starting at his wrist going up toward his elbow. It was old and poorly done. Gideon wasn’t entirely sure what he was looking at so he raised a questioning eye to Edgar. The butler rolled down his sleeve and buttoned it, making sure his sleeve was straight before answering the unspoken question.
“Perhaps it would be best to start prior to my death, yes?”
Gideon followed the old man’s example and gave a short nod.
“I was born in Warsaw, Poland, in August of 1925. I was 13 when my family was taken by force by the Nazi’s to the first of three concentration camps. That’s where we all received our numbers. He lifted his right arm. During the first nine months I lost my mother and two sisters. When they moved us to a second camp, I lost my father and my younger brother. By the time they moved me the final time, I was near death. I was taken to the extermination camp called Belzec. I was no longer any use to them so I was selected to be exterminated. They gathered a large group of us, mostly the old and the weak or those that were young and sick and any that couldn’t work. They put us in an airtight vault and pumped in the poisonous gas. We were all dead in less than five minutes. They loaded the bodies onto carts and dumped them in large holes and buried them.”
The butler told his tale like he was reading a newspaper. No emotion, he was just stating what happened. “Death came upon me and I felt my spirit leave my body. I was traveling very quickly upward, surrounded by a brilliant white light. Then I was standing in an open space without walls or any discernable boundaries. I was alone at first; then I was approached by an angelic being. This being advised me that I wasn’t yet ready to enter the heavens, that I would have to return to my body. I didn’t want to leave this place. I wasn’t sure where I was exactly… but it was better than where I had come from. I begged the being to let me stay, that there was nothing but torture and more pain waiting on me if he sent me back. The angel smiled and told me that I had something very important to do with my life and that the war that was happening down below would soon be over. I felt myself being pulled back down into my body. When I woke up, I was in the home of the Laskers.
I was told that I was placed at the top of the pile of bodies, and that they didn’t bury the pit very deep. Mr.Lasker was walking by and saw the dirt moving and realized someone was still alive. He took a great risk when he uncovered me and brought me into his home. Mr. Lasker was a doctor and with his tonic he was able to nurse me back to health, but they had to keep me a secret. If the Nazis discovered me in their home, they would put all of us to death. The Laskers had no children and felt as though God had answered their prayers when they found me. I was kept hidden for four years until the war had ended. After that we moved to America and located to this place. Even though the war had ended and Hitler was dead, we still had to be very careful to hide who I really was. The Regime was still active and had people located in countries all across the world, including the US. The Laskers were known to oppose the Regime and all they stood for. The only reason that Hitler allowed them to live was because of the tonic. He, too, had failing kidneys, and this is what kept him alive.”
Gideon sat in the silence after Edgar had told his story. The butler asked if he had any more questions and Gideon shook his head, placed his hand on the butler’s shoulder and left.
After Gideon left Edgar’s room later that night, he had a whole new respect for the old man. He never would have expected the story that he had gotten. He had knowledge of the Holocaust, had even protected some key figures during that time, but had never taken time to really notice what was happening to the Jews and other nationalities that Hitler had deemed unfit to live. He went and sat out by the swan pond, which was the closest thing to the Crystal Sea he was able to find, bowed his head and wept.
Chapter 20
Sabrina came running in from the living room to the kitchen where Sherrilyn and Edgar were talking about dinner. “It’s in my account! The insurance check is finally in my account!” She was smiling ear to ear and came sliding up to the table. “It’s finally here!” she said again breathlessly.
Sherrilyn smiled. “What was that honey? Did you say something?” she teased.
Sabrina swatted at her arm. “I know you heard what I said, super ears!”
Sherrilyn laughed. “That’s wonderful, sweetie. I know Luke will be happy knowing you and Charlie are taken care of; it was a very wise and thoughtful thing your young man did for you. Not many his age would have even thought about a life insurance policy.”
Sabrina nodded then remembered. “Yes, it was. Luke was like that, always planning ahead,” she said softly.
Sherrilyn reached out and took her hand. “I’m sorry, baby. Sometimes I just don’t think before I op
en my big mouth. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”
Sabrina patted her hand. “It’s ok. Sometimes I can talk about Luke and be ok, sometimes I can’t. I never know which way I’m going to go.” She sat down at the table “Anyway, this means I can start seriously looking for a house for Charlie and me.”
Sherrilyn chuckled softly. “What is so funny?” Sabrina asked.
Sherrilyn laughed some more. “You just called Charlotte…Charlie.”
Sabrina cocked her head and thought about what she had just said then she laughed. “I guess I did! I hear you call her that so much I guess it’s growing on me. Will you tell me now who gave her that name?”
Sherrilyn shook her head. “No matter how many times you ask me, that’s not my…”
Sabrina butted in, “Cat to let out… I know, I know!” Sabrina groaned.
Edgar cleared his throat. “Madam, perhaps now would be a good time to speak with Miss Sabrina?” He said meaningfully…
Sabrina arched her brow. “Speak to Miss Sabrina about what?” she asked.
Sherrilyn sighed. “I think that perhaps you’re right, Edgar; no need in putting it off any longer.”
Sabrina looked from one person to the other. “I have a great idea -- how about you tell me?”
Edgar finished wiping down the already clean counter. “I’ll just excuse myself and give you some privacy.”
When the butler’s footsteps could no longer be heard, Sabrina turned to Sherrilyn. “Ok, what gives? What do you need to talk to me about?”
Sherrilyn fiddled with a napkin which was a sure indicator that she was nervous. “Sabrina, do you like living here?” she asked.
Sabrina was surprised at the question! “Of course I do! I love you and so does Charlie. Why, she even has old Edgar wrapped around her little fingers!”
Sherrilyn laughed. “You got that right! I never thought I would see the day. That follows-the-rules-until-it-hurts Edgar would break them to sneak her cookies!” Sherrilyn quickly covered her mouth. “Oh, crap… oops!”
Sabrina busted out laughing. “Why that old sneak! Been sneaking her cookies, has he?”
Sherrilyn looked terribly guilty. “So, I’m guessing Edgar isn’t alone in the sneaking of the cookies, is he?” she questioned. Sherrilyn just shook her head.
Sabrina laughed. “Oh, my gosh, don’t look like you’re fixing to be drawn and quartered. I knew someone was giving the little beggar cookies; I just didn’t know which one of you it was. Looks like she has the both of you wrapped!”
The ladies both laughed; then Sherrilyn reached and touched Sabrina’s arm. “Sabrina, stay here with me and Edgar and let us sneak Charlie cookies and keep me company. You and little Charlie… you are my family.” Sherrilyn’s voice broke a little on the word family.
Sabrina was surprised. She knew that Sherrilyn loved them, but she figured she would want her house back to herself eventually. Charlie could be a handful and she scattered toys everywhere that Sherrilyn was running over with her chair every day, and poor Edgar was run ragged trying to keep the house in the immaculate condition that he preferred. When she voiced these concerns to Sherrilyn, she just laughed. “Sweetheart, you and that baby have brought more joy into this place than you could possibly imagine! This old house has come alive again! It feels like a home for the first time since I moved in here and that’s because of you and Charlie. I think a house needs a child running around and scattering toys and making messes. The house would be sad if you left.”
Sabrina wiped the tears that had escaped. “Are you sure? I love living here, and I know Charlie does, too. I have the insurance money if you’re worried about my finances.”
Sherrilyn finally just wheeled her chair around the table and reached and cupped Sabrina’s face. “Honey, I know you can make it on your own and as much as it kills me to admit it, I need you. I need Charlie. I need someone to leave all of this to when the Lord calls me home. Sabrina, you don’t have to search for a home for you and Charlie. You have one, right here. This house…this estate. I’m leaving it all to you.”
Sabrina just sat there… her breathing ragged as she tried to absorb what Sherrilyn had just told her. “But why…why would you leave all of this to me? Why not Edgar? He has lived here for so long; shouldn’t it go to him if anyone?” She whispered.
Sherrilyn pulled her in for a tight hug. “Edgar said he doesn’t have any family and he would have to leave it to someone as well soon enough. He just wants to be able to live out the rest of his years here. You and Charlie are all I have in this world that I call family. Your mother and Evan are already set up with their nice home and Evan’s office. The better question I think would be why wouldn’t I leave this to you? Look, even with a kidney transplant my years are limited at best, and this place is paid for free and clear. You would have to keep Edgar on as long as he wants to be here; I’m afraid that’s non-negotiable. It was in the contract when I bought the estate. But other than that, you could do what you wanted with it.”
Sabrina gently untangled herself from Sherrilyn’s arms. “I’m sorry, Sherrilyn. I just…I just can’t give you an answer right now. I need some time to think on it, okay?” She bent down and kissed the woman’s cheek then quickly walked away…
Sherrilyn folded her arms and laid her head on the table. “Smooth, Sherrilyn…real smooth. Just throw the place at her, why don’t you? No wonder she bolted.” She heard Edgar come back into the kitchen.
“How did it go? Did she accept your proposal?”
She listened while the butler rummaged around in the fridge and started supper preparations, or dinner preparations, as he called them. “Edgar, I have about as much grace as a bull in a glass shop! I just threw all of this at that poor girl and actually expected her to be happy about it!” She laid her head back down on the table. “What was I thinking? I told her that she was all I had. I practically begged the girl to stay here and take on the responsibility of this huge estate! No wonder she ran off…” She felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t raise her head and her voice was muffled in the crook of her arm. “Don’t worry, Edgar. I promised you that you would be able to live here the rest of your years… I intend to keep that promise.” She sighed and whispered, “Somehow.”
The hand squeezed her shoulder. “You did keep your promise, Sherrilyn. Edgar is more than welcome to live in this home as long as his heart desires,” Sabrina offered.
Sherrilyn raised her head up off the table. “What… Sabrina do you mean that you want to stay here with us?” she asked hopefully.
Sabrina reached down and wrapped Sherrilyn in a big hug. “Yes! I’m sorry I left you hanging like that! I was just caught off guard. You and Edgar are mine and Charlie’s family, too.”
Sherrilyn laughed and cried at the same time. “Oh, sweetheart, I was so afraid that I had scared you off with my usual throw it and see what happens approach I used! What changed your mind?”
Sabrina sat down again at the table and handed her friend a tissue. “Nothing changed my mind; I hadn’t come to a decision yet. I was just so surprised at your generous offer that it overwhelmed me, I’m afraid! I needed a moment to think over everything you had offered me. After I had a second to catch my breath, there really wasn’t any decision to make… I love this house, as weird as it is, and I love you and Edgar, so really what was the hard decision? I didn’t even make it to my suite when I knew what I wanted. But I do have a few questions.”
Sherrilyn beamed. “Of course, sweetheart, I’m sure you do. We can work out all the details later if you want; just tell me again that you and Charlie are staying.”
Sabrina reached out and hugged her again. “Me and Charlie are staying!” she whispered.
Edgar cleared his throat. “Yes, well…it’s good that is all settled.” Sabrina looked at the old butler whose voice suddenly sounded funny. Edgar was wiping his eyes with a dish rag. When he saw Sabrina smiling at him, he coughed again. “Must be the basil in the soup aggravating my sinuses,” he e
xplained. Sabrina winked at him. “I’m sure that’s what it is…”
Gideon spoke to Sherrilyn later that afternoon. Sabrina had Charlie outside playing in the fall leaves and Sherrilyn was sitting out on the back deck in the fall sunshine listening to the little girl’s laughter as she and her mother played in a pile of leaves. Gideon had come outside and sat down on the steps beside her chair. “It’s so good to hear a child’s laughter again! I didn’t realize that I had missed it so much!” she said.
Gideon cocked his back and looked at her “Did you have any children?” he asked. She shook her head “No, I didn’t have any problem getting pregnant; I just wasn’t able to carry the baby for very long. I would miscarry before my third month. I have often wondered if that was why Lonnie grew so unhappy with me.”
Gideon didn’t know much about male/ female relationships, but that didn’t sound right to him. “I’m not an expert on the wedding promises that you say to one another when you get married, but isn’t there something in there about sticking together through good times and bad times and in sickness or health?”
She sighed, “Yes, Gideon, there is, but unfortunately so many people don’t keep their promises.”
He had noticed that about the human race. It seemed they were very free and easy with their promises and just as free and easy about breaking them. He placed his hand on her arm. “A real man would love you no matter what, Sherrilyn. The problem was his, not yours.”
She smiled. “Thank you, big guy, you’re sweet.”
Gideon gave a short bark of laughter. “I’ve been called many things in my long life, but I don’t think I have ever been called sweet before.”
It was Sherrilyn’s turn to laugh. “Well, I don’t want to ruin your super tough guy image, so we can just let this be our little secret, okay?”
He smiled and thought about the grief his men would give him if they could hear her…“Thank you.”