“I hope I’m not overdressed,” Donna said when she returned to the kitchen.
Abby studied the elegant black dress and shrugged. It looked more like a cocktail dress than funeral-wear, but Abby had no intention of saying this. “You look very pretty, Donna.” She glanced down at the woman’s black high heels. “As my daughter Nicole would say, those shoes are killer.”
Donna laughed. “If I wear them too long, they kill my feet, too.”
Abby put the salad she’d just tossed back into the fridge, quickly washed her hands, then looked at the kitchen clock. “I guess that’s it for now.”
As Abby drove to the funeral home, Donna reminisced about Victor’s mother’s funeral several years ago. “Even though Vic and I were divorced, I stayed close to his mom. She was such a dear woman, and of course, she was the grandmother of my sons. I couldn’t have stayed away even if I’d wanted to.”
“I suppose divorce does complicate things like funerals and weddings. I can’t imagine how I’d handle holidays and such under those circumstances. Goodness, it’s challenge enough just getting the grown children together, and sometimes they’re not getting along.”
“Speaking of holidays, I am so thrilled that both of my boys are coming to Clifden for Thanksgiving,” Donna exclaimed. “It will be the first time in years that we’ve all been together. I can hardly wait.”
Abby felt her brows lifting. “So you’ll all celebrate together then? At Victor’s house?”
“Yes. I think that’s the plan.”
“Victor is cooking?”
Donna laughed. “Good grief, I hope not. No, I’m sure he’ll let me handle the cuisine. I seriously doubt that man’s ever cooked a turkey in his life.”
Abby suspected Donna was right about this. Now more than ever, Abby wanted to hear Janie’s thoughts on the subject. “Here we are.” She parked across the street from the funeral home. “It looks like there are quite a few people here.” She spotted Paul’s pickup as they got out of the car. “I hope my husband saved a place.”
As it turned out, Paul was sitting by himself in the back. “Come on,” Abby urged him, “we need to sit up there near Caroline and Janie.”
“That’s for family,” he insisted.
“We are her family.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him up. “Come on, Donna, you can sit with us too.”
As they sat down behind Caroline, Abby estimated there were as many as thirty people at the funeral. Thankful she’d made what she’d assumed was too much food, she wondered how many of them would come to the luncheon. Most were friends of Caroline’s. A few of the old timers must’ve been acquaintances of Mrs. McCann. It didn’t escape Abby’s notice that Caroline’s brother was sitting on the opposite side of the room by himself. With his arms folded tightly across his chest, Abby suspected he was eager to get this over with.
Just before the service began, Marley and a young man whom Abby assumed was Ashton slipped into their row and sat down.
The service was actually quite nice. Abby was surprised by the eulogy, which had been written by Caroline. It seemed that Ruby McCann had done some interesting things in her life, including winning a local beauty contest, serving in the Philippines as a member of the Women’s Army Corps, and working briefly in advertisement sales for the newspaper. Unfortunately it seemed that Mrs. McCann’s life shrank considerably after her marriage. Not surprisingly, very little was said about Mr. McCann.
When people were invited to share memories about Ruby McCann, several people went forward, including old Doc Richards, who spoke so fondly of the deceased woman that Abby wondered if they might’ve been romantically involved at some time. Then white-haired Vera Dewberry, leaning on her cane, slowly made her way to the podium and shared some interesting memories about beach bathing and USO dances and the night they took a wild ride with three sailors.
After Vera made her way back to her seat and the laughter subsided, and it seemed no one else cared to speak, Caroline went up. “First I want to thank everyone for coming today. I know my mother—whom I thankfully believe is in her right mind again—would appreciate you being here.” Caroline spoke briefly about Alzheimer’s and the toll it had taken on her mother. “She didn’t have a real easy life even before that,” Caroline admitted. “In fact one of the things that most impressed me about my mother was that through everything, she kept her spark of humor. I hope that I can keep that part of her alive with me.”
Caroline opened her Bible. “When I was cleaning up my mom’s house, I found her Bible. To be honest, I was kind of surprised by how well worn it was, and how she’d made notes by some of the passages. This particular section was underlined in red ink. It’s from the gospel of John, verses one through four of the fourteenth chapter.” She cleared her throat to read. “‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.’”
Caroline was crying as she finished the last verse. “I can’t tell you how much that comforts me, the idea that my mother knew what Jesus had prepared for her … that she knew what was waiting for her. As many of you know, her earthly life had its challenges. So she is truly in a better place now.”
After “Amazing Grace” was played and a final prayer said, the pastor extended the invitation to the final interment, followed by a luncheon and further fellowship at Abby’s house in town. He even mentioned that Abby was transforming her old family home into a bed-and-breakfast that would be opening soon. This remark was probably made at Caroline’s suggestion, but it was sweet and much appreciated by Abby just the same.
“I’m not going to the interment,” Abby told Donna as she stood. “I want to go home and get the luncheon set up.”
Donna frowned as if this was greatly disappointing. She pointed to where Victor was sitting. “I’ll ask Vic to give me a ride then.” Just like that she was on her way. Abby felt guilty for Janie’s sake now. Perhaps she should’ve insisted that Donna ride home with her. Truthfully Abby wouldn’t have minded if Donna had offered to lend a hand getting the food set up, but it was too late now. And really, it wasn’t Abby’s problem.
As they went to the back of the room, Marley introduced Abby to Ashton. “He’s staying with me until Thanksgiving,” she explained.
“That must be cozy.”
Marley just smiled.
“Hey, I’ll bet my mom wouldn’t mind if you used her place, Ashton,” Abby said. “I mean if it’s too crowded in your mom’s little bungalow.”
Ashton seemed to brighten just a bit. “Really?”
“Sure. I’ll give her a call and see if it’s okay. I have a key.”
“That might be nice,” Marley admitted. “I didn’t realize just how small my house was until I had a guest.” She linked her arm with Ashton’s. “Not that I mind. It’s been really nice. I think Ashton’s been enjoying the beach.”
Ashton nodded. “Yeah, it’s a nice beach.”
Abby wanted to say something else, something that might comfort the sad-looking guy, but her mind was blank.
“I’m outta here,” Paul whispered to her as they were making their way to the door.
“Feel free to stop by the inn if you’re hungry,” Abby offered. Maybe it was the funeral service, or maybe it was the sight of Paul in his good suit, but her heart toward him had softened some.
“If I don’t stop by, feel free to bring home leftovers.” He winked, then pecked her on the cheek. “Later, doll.”
Abby waved at Caroline and Janie, mouthing that she’d see them later. Caroline smiled and waved back, but Janie wore a troubled expression. She must’ve spotted Donna and Victor together. As Abby headed back to her car, she wondered
if Janie was aware of the pair’s Thanksgiving plans yet. Maybe Abby should give her a gentle heads-up today. Poor Janie.
Chapter 24
JANIE
She’d never played the role of bodyguard before, but Janie felt that was the perfect description for what she was doing today. She was determined to stay by Caroline’s side until they were safely out of harm’s way, or at least a few blocks away from Michael McCann. Despite Caroline’s optimism that her brother might be softening, Janie was seriously doubtful. Seeing him glowering on the other side of the room during the funeral service had only driven this home.
She was actually surprised when he didn’t make a showing at the cemetery. She wasn’t sure whether she should be relieved or worried. On one hand he might have realized that his attempts to terrorize his sister in order to obtain financial gain were not working. Or he might be plotting even more devious plans. Either way Janie would keep her eyes wide open. It was a good distraction from obsessing over Victor and Donna.
She couldn’t believe that Donna had come, not only to the funeral but the graveside service as well. Really, that took some nerve. After that scene on the sailboat, Janie knew that although Donna might be missing some marbles, the woman did not lack nerve. Janie still hadn’t gotten to the bottom of the disappearing dishes, but it was eating her far more than she cared to admit. It wasn’t just the wasted money that bothered her, although the things she’d gotten from Bonnie were not cheap. Donna’s bizarre behavior and nasty attitude toward Janie had been worse. She acted as if Janie were at fault, trying to make her feel as if she were the “other woman” or some cheap kind of home breaker. Really, it was insane.
“I’m so thankful it didn’t rain like the weatherman predicted,” Caroline said as Janie drove them back to the inn. “It was a nice service, wasn’t it?”
“It was really nice.” Janie nodded. “I didn’t tell you, but I loved what you said, and those Bible verses.”
“Thanks.” Caroline sighed. “That was really a God thing.”
“Did you, uh … did you notice that Michael didn’t go to the cemetery?”
Caroline didn’t say anything.
“Do you think he might’ve gone home?”
“To Phoenix?” Caroline sounded doubtful.
“I guess I was just hoping.”
“Somehow I don’t think Michael will give up that easily.”
“Do you think he’ll come to the inn for lunch?”
“Oh, I doubt it.” Caroline sadly shook her head. “My guess is that he’s at Blue Anchor, tying a few on.”
Janie suspected Caroline was right. To change the subject, she mentioned Donna. “I was a bit surprised that she came to the funeral,” she admitted.
“That was probably my fault. I kind of invited her. I mean, I didn’t really know what to say. She mentioned it this morning at the inn, and she sounded so lonely. It seemed unfriendly not to invite her.” Caroline held up her hands. “I honestly didn’t think she’d come. I mean an old woman’s funeral, someone she’d never even met … who’d’a thought?”
“She certainly dressed up for it.”
Caroline started to giggle. “I’ll say. I hate to sound catty, but it did appear she wanted to turn someone’s head. Didn’t it seem a bit desperate?”
“That Donna is a hard one to figure.”
“So have you talked to Victor? I mean since the disappearing dishes and all that?”
“Not really. I think he’s got his hands full just now.”
“Because it really is mysterious, Janie. I was thinking about that this morning when I was talking to her. I honestly wanted to ask her, ‘What did you do with Janie’s dishes?’ But I controlled myself.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Caroline started to laugh harder. “Still, I keep imagining Donna carting away those heavy boxes of dishes on her bike.”
Janie couldn’t help but giggle. “I know. I’ve had the same thoughts.”
“So how did she do it?”
“I’m clueless. At one point I thought maybe I’d dreamed the whole thing. You know how you sometimes have a dream that seems so real, you almost think it happened?”
“Yeah, I’ve had those.”
“But I still have the receipt from Bonnie’s shop. So I know I didn’t dream it.”
“Crazy.”
“You got that right. That woman is crazy.” Janie pulled in front of the inn.
“Speak of the devil.” Caroline pointed toward Victor’s car, which was just parking on the other side of the street.
“This is so awkward.” Janie took her keys out of the ignition and just sat there. “What am I supposed to do? Just be polite and act like nothing happened?”
Caroline didn’t answer.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Janie said. “I’m being so selfish. Today is about your mom, not me and my silly troubles.”
“No, that’s okay.” Caroline smiled at her. “I was actually kind of enjoying the drama. I don’t know what to tell you, I mean how you should act. That’s a tough one, Janie.”
“Well, I know how to act.” Janie dropped her keys in her bag. “I’ll simply put on my lawyer face and mind my manners. No biggie.”
“Oh, darn.” Caroline made a disappointed face. “Just when I was looking forward to a showdown.”
“Not today.” Janie got out of her car, holding her head high. “Not from my end anyway.”
Victor called out a hello to them, and Janie and Caroline waited for the couple at the front of the inn. “That was a nice service, Caroline,” he said politely. “I’m sure your mother would’ve appreciated it.”
“I loved that old woman,” Donna chimed in. “Vera Somebody.”
“Vera Dewberry,” Janie supplied.
“Yes.” Donna’s voice grew a bit frosty. Then she turned to Caroline with a bright smile. “She was such a hoot. She and your mother must’ve really been something back in their day.”
Caroline turned surprisingly friendly toward Donna, actually taking her aside to tell her that what she said was “an even funnier story, but not suitable for men’s ears.” Victor and Janie stood there alone, and Janie suspected Caroline had done this intentionally.
“Want to go inside?” Victor said quietly.
“Sure.” Janie nodded and began going up the steps, trying to think of some way to get him to herself for a few minutes.
He smiled as he opened the door for her. “I’d love to see how your office is coming, Janie.”
“Really?” She looked into his eyes and was surprised by the warm rush that ran through her. “Sure,” she said quickly. “Come on down.”
Soon they were downstairs, where she quickly showed him around and led him into the private room where she hoped to one day do her legal consultations. She closed the door behind him. She was tempted to lock it but feared that might be pushing things a bit.
“It’s very nice,” he said.
“Care to sit?” she nodded to a leather club chair.
“Thank you.”
She took the chair opposite him and crossed her legs, waiting.
“Is this a good time to talk?” he asked.
“It is for me.” She glanced at the closed door. “I’m not so sure about your, uh, your date.”
He frowned. “She is not my date.”
Janie smiled. “Sorry. Appearances can sometimes be deceiving.”
“A lot of things can be deceiving, especially when you’re not paying close attention.”
Janie wondered if he was talking about her. Had she deceived him in some way?
“So, first of all, how are you doing?” he asked with what seemed genuine concern.
“I’m okay, I guess.” She wasn’t sure how to answer. Did he mean in regard to him? To lif
e in general? “Mostly I’ve been trying to stick close to Caroline these past few days. Her brother is, well, an odd character.”
Victor nodded. “I know.”
“You know?”
“I remember him from when we were kids. He seemed like a tough guy then, and I wouldn’t say it to Caroline, but he doesn’t seem to have changed much.”
“I have to agree. Poor Caroline keeps hoping for the best. She’s trying so hard. I appreciate her optimism, but I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt. In fact I should probably go up and stick with her now, just in case he shows up.” She made a half smile. “I’m pretending to be her bodyguard.”
Victor chuckled. “You don’t strike me as very threatening.”
“Maybe not. But I can talk tough.”
“I’m surprised Mitch isn’t here. I think he’d make a good bodyguard.”
“He’s stuck in Tokyo.” Janie glanced nervously at the mantel clock in the center of her bookcase. “You know I probably should go up there. Just in case.” She stood and placed her hand on the doorknob.
“What would you do if Michael did come and make trouble?” Victor studied her.
“I’d speak some fancy legalese to him and hopefully convince him to act civilized, but explain the consequences if he doesn’t.”
“How about if we just leave this door open? Wouldn’t we hear if something was erupting up there?”
She considered this. She really did want to talk to Victor now, and his suggestion did seem reasonable. If that loudmouth beast showed up, he’d make some noise. “Okay.” She opened the door and sat back down.
“My boys are coming for Thanksgiving,” he said without much enthusiasm.
“That’s wonderful, Victor. Both of them?”
He nodded. “Yes. I haven’t seen Marcus since last summer. He’s bringing his fiancée.”
“He’s engaged?”
“Didn’t I tell you? Well, it’s a recent development. Her name’s Katie, and they’ve been going together for about six months, but I guess I didn’t realize it was that serious.”
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