Sue

  Melvin faced her before looking away once again. “What was the other part?”

  She rose from the sofa, walked softly to him, and wrapped her arms around him from behind. She’d never admit to anything that would hurt Melvin. Total honesty was a fine concept, but hazardous in practice. “I was confused for a long time. But it’s you I care for. You I want. You surely know that by now, don’t you?”

  He turned slowly and pulled her into an embrace, holding her close. “I know he messed with your head. I just hoped he hadn’t gotten your heart, too.” He pulled back and held her at arm’s length. “But what the hell were you thinking? You were going to take him on? Sue! Single-handed? You could’ve been killed! Didn’t you even give a thought to me and my feelings? I don’t think I could handle it if something happened to you. It would ruin me.” He ran his hand tenderly over her head, played with her braid. “You mean so much to me, Sue.”

  She kissed him, not only out of a burst of emotion, but also to keep him from saying anything more. She knew how he felt about her. She felt the same, but wasn’t quite ready to put it into words.

  The next day, Sue visited her parents to tell them about the deaths. She dreaded bringing up the subject of Zeke because it was so painful for them. But she knew they needed the closure, the peace of mind.

  Slowly, she explained the fire in the school, the evidence found, the bodies.

  Seated in the kitchen with his elbows on the table, her dad clenched a fist and cupped it in his other hand. “Thank God,” he exclaimed. Then he turned to his wife. “Linda. I’m sorry, honey. I know it’s wrong to be thankful when somebody dies.”

  Her eyes were bright with defiance and unshed tears. “Don’t be sorry, Frank, I feel the same way. I’m thankful he’s gone. It was a monster who died, not a human being. An ugly, disgusting monster!” She squeezed Sue’s shoulder and then walked over to the sink and leaned against it, shaking. After a time, she pulled a few paper towels from the roll, raised her glasses, and wiped her eyes.

  Sue turned to her father with a questioning look, worried about her mother. She started to get up.

  He put a hand on her arm, stopping her, and shook his head slightly. “She’s okay,” he whispered. “Let her be.” He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “Finally, it’s over,” he said to no one in particular. “The filthy bastard’s dead.” A tight, grim smile spread across his face. Sue had never seen such a vengeful look on her father’s gentle features and it shocked her.

  “He got his just desserts.” Linda turned around to face them, eyes red. “The whole horrible thing is finished once and for all. I never want to hear his name spoken in this house again. From now on, it’s like he never existed.” She balled up the paper towels, tossed them in the trash, and marched from the room.

  “Daddy.” Sue’s lip trembled.

  He patted her hand. “She’s been awful hurt by all this, honey. Held a lot inside so as not to upset you. But don’t you worry; everything’s going to be fine now. Everything’s going to be just fine.”

  Chapter 37

  Over the next couple of weeks, Sue experienced a growing acceptance of Zeke’s death. As her head began to clear, she almost sagged with relief that her plans for vengeance had been thwarted. With this new outlook came a desire to turn her back on the past and learn to enjoy the present while anticipating a bright future.

  She stopped by her parents’ home after work near the end of June. She found them in the kitchen, preparing to eat dinner.

  “I have a couple of favors to ask. First of all, Dad, do you still have that black fedora you used to wear?”

  His brow furrowed. “I don’t know what happened to it. I forgot all about that thing.”

  “It’s on the top shelf of our closet,” Sue’s mom answered, setting another plate on the table. “Why don’t you have supper with us and I’ll look for it when we’re done eating? Although, I can’t imagine what you want with it.”

  Sue dropped into a chair and pulled it up to the table. “Melvin’s birthday is the 27th and I want to give it to him as a joke. It looks like something out of a fifties detective movie. I think he’ll get a kick out of it. That is, if you don’t want it anymore, Dad.”

  “Heck, I didn’t even remember where it was. Besides, it’s too tight. My head must have gotten bigger over the years.” He smoothed a hand over his thinning hair. “Anyway, they say hats can cause premature baldness.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Sue laughed and then looked at her mother. “And Mom, I was hoping I could talk you into making a cake. I could try, but yours are so much better than anything I could come up with. And when I mentioned my favorite cake is the mayonnaise cake, Melvin said he loves red velvet with cream cheese frosting. You know you make that better than anyone.” A little flattery never hurt, but it was the truth; Sue’s mother made the best cakes.

  “Let’s see...” Her mom checked the calendar on the wall. “The 27th is a Sunday. Sure, I’d be happy to do it.”

  “I’ll fire up the barbeque,” Sue’s dad volunteered. “We’ll make it a party, just the four of us!”

  Sue grinned at her dad. He took advantage of any opportunity to use his grill.

  When Sue left that evening, she had the fedora in a box, ready to wrap. She’d already bought Melvin’s real present, a t-shirt with the silhouette of Sherlock Holmes with his signature pipe and hat.

  After the hot dogs and hamburgers were consumed, the candles blown out, and wishes made, Sue brought out the brightly wrapped fedora and set it in front of Melvin.

  “Hope you’ll like it,” she said with a mischievous smile. “No self-respecting detective should be without one.”

  Melvin tore into the package and extracted the hat from a nest of tissue paper. He turned it in his hands, admiring it.

  “Well?”

  Smoothing the band with a finger, he said, “I love it.” With a flourish, he placed it on his head at a cocky angle and grinned.

  “Melvin,” Sue giggled. “Seriously! That looks pretty good on you.”

  “I think it brings out my inner cool.” He pulled the brim down and gave her a sly look.

  “Wait! Let me get your real gift!” Sue ran into the house and returned with another present.

  As Melvin held up the shirt, he gave Sue a warm look. “You choose awesome gifts, Sue. Thanks! I’m putting it on right now.” He laid his hat on the table and ducked into the house.

  When he returned, Sue’s mother placed a small box in his hands. “Now, Melvin, it’s not much, but Frank and I got you a little something.”

  Melvin opened the box and pulled out a diagonally striped, deep purple and gray necktie. Sue groaned inwardly, embarrassed for her parents. Melvin wasn’t the necktie type and would never wear it, though she had no doubt he would be gracious when accepting it.

  Melvin immediately made a liar of her as he looped the tie around his neck and knotted it over his Sherlock Holmes t-shirt. “Thanks! I don’t have enough ties so I really appreciate this.” He reached over, grabbed the hat, and set it firmly on his head.

  Sue stared at him thoughtfully as he chatted with her parents. He looked handsome and oddly stylish in his mismatched attire and it took her by surprise. He felt her gaze and flashed a smile. His eyes warmed her and she flushed, suddenly looking very forward to being alone with him.

  Chapter 38

  The fourth of July was rapidly approaching. Melvin had agreed to accompany Sue and her mom and dad to their annual gathering. Sue didn’t even mind having to see Mean Eugene or her aunt this year. Plus, she felt strong enough to discourage any nosy questions about her disastrous road trip. She wasn’t clear just how much her relatives knew about Zeke, but she didn’t intend to discuss him. She’d be rude if she had to. She’d let the chips fall where they may. Little Sue’s not a pushover anymore and if anyone has a problem with that, they can go straight to hell. She and her parents had avoided the family on Memorial Day and Christmas; it was time to get back to normal. Although, it m
ight turn out to be a brand new style of normal.

  Outside, the sun shone brightly, announcing a new day. It was Saturday, no work. Sue planned to do some housework, catch up on her laundry, and spend the evening with Melvin. Sue was brushing her teeth when she heard a soft knock at her front door. She glanced at the bathroom clock. Who could be here at seven-thirty? She quickly rinsed her mouth and patted it dry. Slipping the toothbrush back into the holder, she moved with curiosity to the window nearest the door and peered out. Melvin stood there, cradling something small in his arms.

  “Melvin? What’s wrong? Why are you here so early?” The questions tumbled out as she opened the door.

  “Sorry for the hour,” Melvin whispered as he tiptoed in.

  What in the world? Sue backed up to allow him entry.

  “I was on stakeout last night, and I found this.” He raised one hand to reveal a little ball of fur nestled in the crook of his elbow.

  As Sue stood open-mouthed, a tiny head appeared and a loud mewling started up.

  “A kitten? Where’d you find it?” She reached for the little baby.

  “Ahhh, now it’s awake,” Melvin complained. “Like I said, I was on stakeout. Anyway, I was working an industrial area where there aren’t any houses. I have no idea where it came from. Probably someone dumped it. But there I was, trying to be really quiet, and here comes this kitten. It kept carrying on so I picked it up to quiet it down. Every time I tried to set it back on the ground, it cried. Finally, I just held it. But on the way home, it started this pitiful bawling and wouldn’t quit. It only stopped as I walked up here.”

  Sue held the small gray kitten up so she could see it better. There was a streak of white above its right eye, plus all four feet were booted in white fur. The little thing still mewed and Sue held it close to her breast, cuddling it gently. Immediately, the kitty fell silent.

  “What are you going to do with it?” Sue’s eyes were soft as she gazed at the miniscule bundle.

  “I have no idea. I think it’s starving and I don’t know how to feed it. What should I do?”

  “I see.” Sue smiled. “Here, hold it for a minute.”

  Melvin reluctantly took the kitten back.

  Sue poured a small amount of milk into a dish and took the chill off in the microwave. She set the saucer on the floor and dropped down next to it. “Okay, bring it here.”

  Melvin handed the kitten over and Sue stood it in front of the milk. The kitten continued to mew, nosing around the floor, looking for something to eat. Sue dipped her index finger in the warm liquid and touched the kitten’s mouth. It instantly lapped all the milk off. She then pushed its little face down to the plate and its tongue darted out. Surprised, it lurched back and then forward, stepped on the rim, and almost tipped it over. But Sue steadied the saucer with her fingertips and the kitten found the milk. Eagerly licking, the kitten soon cleaned the dish and then sat wobbling, eyes half-closed, content and ready to sleep.

  “Well, heck. If I had known it could eat from a bowl I could have given it some milk. You probably think I’m dense.”

  “No I don’t. I never even thought about it being too young, it’s just common sense to feed a baby, so I did.”

  “Good job, Sue.” Melvin patted her shoulder, then a doubtful look passed over his face. “What’s wrong with it? It’s about to fall over.”

  “It’s just sleepy now that it has a full belly.” Sue plucked the kitten from the floor and once more cradled it to her chest. A tiny purr emitted from the bundle of fur and Sue smiled radiantly. “She’s adorable.”

  “It’s a girl?”

  “Well, I don’t really know.” She carefully peered between the cat’s back legs. Shaking her head, Sue said, “I’m not sure. It’s still too little to tell.”

  They moved to the couch. As they sat, Melvin leaned in and kissed Sue softly. “So, what are you going to name it?”

  “Name it? You want me to name your kitty?”

  “Your kitty!”

  “Oh, no. Not mine. Yours.”

  “I don’t think so, sweetie. Look how it’s taken to you already.” When Sue looked ready to argue, Melvin added, “It’s obviously attached to you now. You wouldn’t break its little heart, would you?”

  Sue looked from Melvin to the kitty. She knew she was already smitten. How could anyone not be? Then the baby opened its eyes and looked trustingly up at her and she was lost. “Okay. I’ll keep her, him, it. I guess I need to make a vet appointment and find out what I have here.”

  “Let me pay for it, okay? After all, I’m the one that brought it here.”

  “Oh, I can definitely let you do that. But first we have to buy little gray baby some things.”

  “Gray Baby?”

  “Hmmm. I guess it has a name now. And it fits no matter what sex it is. Let’s go shopping.”

  “Where do we put Gray Baby?”

  Sue dug around her storage closet and came out with fairly deep box. She lined it with a soft towel and set the kitty down. It turned two circles, lay down, and drifted into sleep. “That’ll do it,” Sue pronounced.

  A trip to the pet store found the couple wandering the aisles, collecting things from here and there. They ended up buying a cat box and litter, a bowl for milk and one for food, a brush, a toy, and a plush padded bed.

  Chapter 39

  Sue woke on the fourth of July with a sense of excitement. The forecast called for upper eighties, clear, sunny, with a light wind. They’d be having the Cox family gathering at the lake this year instead of Sue’s childhood home. “I just don’t feel like cleaning up after all those people,” Sue’s mother had told her. “I figured we could start a new tradition, so I talked it over with Aunt Mamie and Crystal and everyone. We all agreed it’s going to be a covered dish picnic; everybody will bring something. Besides the convenience, Cyrus is holding their Independence Day festival at the lake this year. There’ll be all kinds of activities. Live music, artwork, watermelon spitting contest, an egg toss, and of course, fireworks. Uncle Jake is going out a couple of days early to snag us all a good spot.”

  Sue liked the idea of moving their yearly get-together away from the house and had told her mother as much. “As big as our family is getting, it’s not feasible to try and squeeze everyone into a house anyway.”

  Melvin had jumped at the chance to attend and Sue was relieved. He would serve as a buffer between her and overzealous relatives. She grabbed a quick shower and set to work on preparing barbequed beans and opening a few containers of store-bought coleslaw, which she planned to dump in a bowl and take credit for making. Anything to ward off tired jokes about learning to cook now that I have a man. Melvin agreed to bring chips and dip along with a cooler of drinks for him and Sue to share.

  Uncle Jake had outdone himself and gotten them a spot near the water. They’d be in the perfect location to watch the fireworks that would be shot from small barges on the lake. When they pulled up to the crowded picnic area, Sue was surprised to see that even more people showed up than she expected. Several children she didn’t recognize ran around blowing streams of bubbles and laughing with delight. She remembered that one of her cousins had married a divorced mother of four and assumed these were the new additions to the family.

  She would have been shy had she been thrust into a similar situation, but Melvin had no problem meeting and chatting with her relatives, even the obnoxious ones. He socialized with an ease she envied.

  After the meal was finished and many of the attendees had wandered off to the festival, Sue stood near the lake with a glass of lemonade and stared out over the water. Melvin had excused himself to find a restroom.

  “So, it’s been a long time, Sue. How have you been?”

  Sue turned with a start and stared at the stocky man standing next to her. It was her cousin, Eugene.

  “I’m doing fine, thanks. How about you?” She took a sip from her glass, her eyes searching for Melvin over the rim. She finally spotted him squatted beside a wheelchai
r chatting with her grandmother. A feeling of warmth passed over her. A lot of people wouldn’t take the time to talk with the elderly woman; her hearing had failed and conversation with her wasn’t an easy proposition anymore. She turned her attention back to Eugene.

  “I’m still at the same job.” He launched into a lecture on the importance of regular maintenance on vacuum cleaners and lamented the way big discount houses had nearly devastated small independent shops. “It’s so hard to compete, even though we sell a higher quality product.”

  He sighed, shook a cigarette from the pack in his pocket, and lit it. “God, I remember these family gatherings from when we were kids. Your mom always laid out a good spread. We had so much fun. I remember all the family games of football on the lawn, sneaking extra cake when no one was looking, playing jokes on the grownups and the resultant spankings. I’d always fall asleep in the backseat of the car on the way home, full to the gills and worn out.”

  Sue listened with half an ear, remembering him as a stubby child, always taunting her. She interrupted his speech. “They weren’t fun for me.”

  He looked at her in surprise. “Really? You didn’t like them?” He blew out a stream of smoke, careful to aim it away from her. The smell reminded her of Zeke.

  She met his eyes. “No. And it was because of you mainly. You made me miserable.”

  “I did?” He looked baffled. “How’s that?”

  “You always picked on me, ridiculed me, knocked me around.”

  He frowned a moment, took one last drag from his cigarette, and flicked it into the water. “I guess I never looked at it that way. I was used to horsing around with Derek and Jim; you know how older brothers are. Maybe I got too rough with you, but I was only teasing.”

  “It was more than just teasing, Eugene. Sometimes you really hurt me.” A lump rose in her throat and she fought down the urge to cry.