He didn’t think so but to be on the safe side, Gabe ran his hand carefully through every major fold. They were all smooth just as they should be.
He took the feather duster from the corner of the clothes closet and used it on the bedstead, the windowsills, the rocker, the lamp tables and the large dresser. The embroidered dresser scarf wasn’t dirty but it didn’t look fresh and he recalled seeing more somewhere.
They hadn’t been in the linen closet because they were too long. Maybe they were downstairs with the table linen. The sideboard in the dining room had drawers for silverware and napkins, and a bottom drawer that was deep and long for tablecloths.
As Gabe sifted through them, he tried to envision the meals Great-Grandmother Sarah had prepared. His great-grandparents, their children and their guests had eaten her food at the table covered by this linen.
His father’s father had been at this table. Gabe’s hands stilled. He and Drew had missed so much of their heritage, but it wouldn’t happen to him when he married. He’d make sure his children knew all of their relatives. Good, bad, indifferent, it didn’t matter. They were all family and to be acknowledged as such. He’d probably never know why Pop had divorced himself from his family but more and more, Gabe realized how thankful he was that Great-Grandfather had persisted in finding him and Drew.
He got to the bottom of the tablecloths and came to a small pile of table scarves. The first two were too short for the upstairs dresser but the third one seemed like it would fit. He lifted it carefully from the ones beneath.
As he straightened out the remaining three or four, he heard the rustle of paper. Between the last two scarves, he saw the same kind of paper on which the scroll had been written.
Gabe pulled it out knowing he’d found another clue.
Chapter 21
Gabe closed the drawer. Each time he’d found a clue it hadn’t led him to any greater understanding of what he was to discover in the end so this time he deliberately laid the dresser scarf over the paper so he couldn’t see it.
Upstairs he changed the clean scarf for the one on the dresser, glanced around to be sure the room was ready for Calvin, then picked up the paper, took it to the office and laid it out on the desk. At his first glance at what looked like chicken scratches, Gabe had to restrain his urge to hit the desk or throw a book in his frustration. This was worse than the scroll!
The scroll had the appearance of a story from the beginning. The only problem was that it had unrecognizable language. What in the name of reason was this jumble of fat black toothpicks? It looked like child’s play and made no sense whatsoever. After more moments of stewing about it, he decided if he calmed down enough to examine the paper objectively, he might be able to come to some conclusion.
With this thought, Gabe sat down at the desk, found a ruler, a pen and a sheet of blank paper. Measuring his find, he saw it was six inches long and nine inches wide. It had a white, black and brown decorative border that was one inch deep.
On this piece of parchment had been drawn six rows of the vertical black lines but they were not the same height. They seemed to have been randomly placed. When Gabe counted them, the majority were three quarters of an inch long, interspersed here and there with some that were a half inch and a few that were only a quarter inch in length. The six rows were uneven and they held a total of thirty-seven lines.
The picture, if you could call it that, was absurd. Gabe turned it around and looked at it from all angles but it suggested nothing to him. Great-Grandfather had outfoxed him this time.
Finally he concluded that it was a part of the story told on the original scroll which was now secure in the safe-deposit box. He’d put this one with it and find out the whole story when all of the clues had been uncovered. As he laid it aside it occurred to him that perhaps it had something to do with the trees which made him doubly anxious for Ms. Frye’s visit on Monday.
Makima printed out the letter to the Chamber of Commerce that Dr. Cook had dictated this morning. She automatically glanced at it before adding it to the pile of letters awaiting his signature. It didn’t sound right so she looked at the notes she’d taken in his office.
No wonder it sounded strange. She’d omitted two crucial sentences! She tore up the letter and hurriedly produced a corrected one then took them all in to him. Back in her office she prepared the signed letters for mailing while remembering this wasn’t the only problem she’d had.
She’d misfiled several folders which made her waste time trying to find them. While putting together a report, she’d found herself sitting motionless, totally distracted from what she was supposed to be doing. It wasn’t work that was on her mind. It was Gabe. She was still suffering from having to tell him at the end of their mutual enjoyment of talking about bike riding that she couldn’t let him join her the next time she went. He’d looked baffled and disappointed. She knew he couldn’t have interpreted her refusal as anything but a personal decision and he must have wondered what he’d done to deserve it.
She couldn’t tell him it was because of Alana. On the other hand she couldn’t see how to come to work each day knowing he was in the building and ignoring him. Or treating him impersonally. Her awareness of him was too strong. She didn’t want him feeling he’d offended her, because he hadn’t. What she needed to do was talk to him and find some way to let him know he wasn’t to blame.
She was also in turmoil about the clinic. Should she and the board go ahead with the new agency that wanted to build it? They only required a five-thousand-dollar deposit which the board had in the bank. It would be a good business deal since the company had a good reputation.
Still, she had the lingering idea that the land should come from Mr. Zeke’s property. Maybe she should go see Gabe and inquire one more time about this. He knew her better now and was more conversant with the clinic project than when she’d first approached him. He’d even expressed sympathy with her goal.
The more she thought about seeing him, the more it sounded like the right thing to do. She lifted the phone to call him, then replaced it. She’d just drop by on her way home from work.
She checked her makeup and hair before leaving work and was glad she was wearing her new hot pink plush corduroy jacket with her pink shirt and black pants. She’d seen how Gabe always looked at her shoes and hoped he’d notice the ruby suede flats that sported a big, sparkling rhinestone buckle.
By the time she turned onto Gabe’s street her mouth was dry and her palms were damp. Maybe he wouldn’t be home, but then she saw his Lexus, black and shiny in the driveway. She parked, got out, and walked to the door telling herself to be calm.
Gabe answered the bell. “Makima!” It was obvious that he was surprised, but before she could say anything, he smiled and opened the door. “Come on in.”
Relaxed by his easy welcome, she reminded herself that she’d come to ask Gabe about the property, not anything personal. “I hope I’m not disturbing you, barging in this way.” In the living room she sat on the couch. Gabe sat on the couch also, his glance studying her with open admiration.
“You could never disturb me, Makima. You’re always welcome here.” He didn’t move but it seemed to her he had come so close that it took her breath away as his eyes locked with hers.
“I missed seeing you at work today.” That wasn’t what she was supposed to say but the words slipped out despite herself.
“I was there but I had the impression that you didn’t want to see me so I didn’t stop by.”
“I never said that,” she protested. Her hands twisted the handle of her bag nervously.
Now he did shift so that he was closer to her. The energy between them and the effort to explain herself filled her with confusion yet she couldn’t look away from him. If she’d known it would be like this she would have gone straight home. Being in his presence and absorbing the intensity of his gaze was unlike anything in her experience. Unsure of what to do or say, she could only flounder around until she found the righ
t words to help her out of her dilemma.
“I felt that was what you meant when you told me we couldn’t go bike riding together. You seemed very clear on that,” Gabe said quietly. Although there was no sense of accusation in his tone, Makima felt a flush rising in her face because he’d read her underlying decision correctly. That’s what she’d meant that moment in her confusion.
What could she say now? She wanted to be honest with him but how could she bring Alana into this muddle? She couldn’t. “I’m sorry I gave you that impression, Gabe.” She bent her head as she searched for an explanation then looked at him again and saw no blame but the dawning of hope in his eyes. “It’s hard for me to tell you all that’s going on with me right now, but whatever it is, it doesn’t mean that I want us to be strangers to each other.” That was the best she could do and she waited anxiously for his reaction.
He reached over to cover her hand with his. “Does that mean I can hang out in your office for a few minutes when I feel the need to?” His pleased smile warmed her heart and instinctively she turned her hand to hold his.
“Gabe!” Drew called as he came down the stairs. By the time he appeared in the room Makima was sitting in her corner of the sofa, her hands on her bag.
“Oh, hi, Miss Makima,” Drew said. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Hi, Drew,” she said. “I just stopped by for a minute. How’s school going?”
“Good, except for chemistry.” He gestured to the textbook in his hand. “I was going to ask you a question,” he told Gabe. “It can wait until later.”
“I don’t know if I can help you. Chemistry was never my favorite subject,” Gabe said.
“May I see the textbook?” Makima asked. Drew handed it to her and as she turned the pages, he looked at her hopefully.
“Was that what you taught?” he asked.
“Yes, and from an earlier edition of this same book.” She glanced from him to Gabe. “Would you like a little help sometime?”
“I sure would if it’s all right with you,” Drew said.
“That’s very kind of you, Makima, but do you have the time?” Gabe asked.
After some discussion it was decided that tutoring sessions would be held at Makima’s house as the need arose, with the first one being on Sunday evening. Drew thanked Makima and left the room.
“You sure this won’t be an extra burden?” Gabe asked.
She shook her head. “It’ll be interesting to see how much I remember. I tutored a number of students for a while after I stopped teaching.”
“What is your fee?”
“No fee, Gabe, this is just friend to friend.” She saw him open his mouth to protest. “If you paid me I’d have no excuse not to take on other students for a fee. I don’t want to tie myself down that much.” She walked over to the window. “What did you do about the garden Mr. Zeke planted every year?”
“Come outside and let me show you.” On the way he told her how Sam Williams had come over and managed to get Drew interested in planting the vegetables and taking care of the plot.
“He’s done a good job,” Makima said, noting how straight the rows were. “I see a few green shoots already coming up.”
“He looks after it as a part of his homework,” Gabe said proudly.
“Mr. Zeke would like that. He never wanted anything on his property go to waste or be neglected,” Makima said thoughtfully.
Gabe took her hand. “Let’s go sit on his bench.”
“This is nice,” she sighed when they were seated. “I used to sit here with him. He would tell me stories about Africa. When I was a little girl I used to think he’d lived there, the stories were so real.”
“Have you been there?”
“To Africa? No, but Daddy has mentioned some ancestor from there.”
“I haven’t been there, either. Shall I tell you a secret, Makima?” He stroked her hand.
“Please.” Her eyes were wide with anticipation.
“Most of the time when I sit here I can feel Great-Grandfather’s presence.”
“I’m not surprised. Mr. Zeke had a powerful spirit, Gabe. Anyone who knew him spoke of it. Since he didn’t have the chance to know you when he was alive, it makes sense to me that he would try to know you in some other way now that you’re here.”
“I knew you’d understand,” he said appreciatively.
For a few moments they sat silently, hands entwined. Makima knew she had to ask Gabe again about the land for the clinic, but she didn’t want to break this lovely spell. He might become angry again and she hesitated to risk a rupture in the closeness between them. Still the idea had come via prayer so she might as well get on with it and trust in the process.
“Makima,” Gabe said before she could begin. “I want to tell you about Great-Grandfather so you’ll understand about the land for the clinic. His will had very specific items. One was that no part of the property could be rented, leased, given away, or sold until I, his heir, had achieved certain goals. I can’t tell you what they are, but you see my hands are tied regarding the property. It has to remain intact. I wasn’t trying to be rude or disrespectful when you asked me about it before.” He looked at her appealingly.
“Thank you for telling me, Gabe.” Makima was so grateful that she hadn’t had to ask him outright about the land. “You can be sure what you’ve told me will stay right here,” she promised.
It wasn’t until she was on the way home that she wondered if Mr. Zeke had set a time limit about the goals. Since Gabe had taken a job and Drew had entered school, it probably wasn’t any time soon.
Gabe’s offering of the information she needed was the answer to her prayer, even though the will prevented her from obtaining the land she’d dreamed of for the clinic. She might as well give serious thought to the Dakers and Sons Builders who had been recommended to her. Wetherell had been first in her mind but their rates were very high. Dakers only required a five-thousand-dollar deposit of earnest money. She would talk to the board and see if they’d agree to finally getting the project started.
Soon after Gabe had said goodbye to Makima he had a call from Carolyn Brown.
“Gabe, we’re having a card party Saturday night at my house about eight. How about coming over?”
Gabe knew that if he went he’d be partnered with Alana. That was the last thing he wanted, especially on the heels of spending a wonderful hour with Makima. “Sorry, Carolyn. Can’t make it but thanks for the invitation. Have fun and my regards to everyone.”
Sooner or later he might have to let Alana know directly that it was her sister he was interested in. If he was lucky she’d get the message by his refusal of this invitation. He hoped so.
Chapter 22
The bag of fresh crullers Gabe had bought on his way to work gave out a tempting fragrance. He was trying to wait until ten-thirty which was the usual time people took a coffee break, but he couldn’t contain himself. He had to see Makima now. Bag in hand, he knocked on her door and pushed it open when she said, “Come in.”
“Good morning, Gabe,” she said. Her face lit up in a smile. “What’s in the bag?”
“Something I thought you’d enjoy with your coffee.” He laid the bag on her desk.
“Crullers,” she said as she peeked into the bag. “They smell heavenly. I like them better than doughnuts.” She took one out of the bag and wrapped it in a napkin from her bottom desk drawer. “Thanks so much, Gabe.” She extended the bag.
“They’re all for you, Makima,” he said.
“I can’t eat three crullers, Gabe. Just think of all those calories!” She sparkled at him as she tried to get him to take the bag.
“That’s just what I’m thinking of,” he replied. “How every one of those calories will look on you.” He laid his hand against her cheek and whispered, “I love curves on you, Makima.” Spellbound, they gazed at each other.
Gabe suddenly remembered where he was and that Dr. Cook could walk in at any moment. He cleared his throat and
moved toward the door. “By the way, are you going to the card party at Carolyn’s tomorrow night?”
“I’ll be at a board meeting. You going?”
“No, I’m not going. I don’t want to give people the wrong impression, Makima.” He looked at her steadily, hoping she would get the message. Something went swiftly across her face and he saw that she understood he was referring to her sister.
“Will I see you at church?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. My best friend, Calvin Peters, arrives today for a visit and I’ll have to see what he wants to do.”
“I’m glad for you, Gabe. Will he stay long enough for us to meet him?”
“Absolutely. He’s a writer and he’s interested in getting to know this part of the country.”
“I wish I could get—” She was interrupted by a beep from Dr. Cook. “I’ll be right there,” she said.
“I’m gone.” Gabe waved his hand and returned to his office. He’d meant only to say good-morning and hand her the crullers, but it seemed communication always blossomed between them even when they knew time was short.
Since he didn’t know what time Calvin would arrive, he’d put a beef stew on in the Crock-Pot. Its aroma filled the house when he arrived home after running some errands when he left the center. As he emptied a bag of groceries, the phone rang.
“I’ve just turned off the interstate into Swinton. Now what do I do?” Calvin asked.
“You made good time, man. Now listen carefully because getting here is quite complex.” Gabe grinned as he then gave Calvin the extremely simple directions.
“One of these days you’ll tell a good joke,” Calvin said drily and closed his cell phone.
Gabe was on the porch waiting when the black Corvette Calvin had inherited from his uncle Daniel rolled smoothly into the driveway. By the time he reached Calvin, his friend had emerged from the low door and stood looking at his surroundings in amazement. As they shook hands, Calvin said, “This mansion is what you’ve inherited? I am impressed!”
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