by Cindy Bell
“Mary?” she called out. She was beginning to grow concerned.
“I'm over here, Suzie,” Mary called back. She was on the rear porch. She had a bunch of flowers in her hands.
“Happy birthday!” Suzie said and gave Mary a quick hug. “What are those?” she asked as she looked at the flowers.
“A gift from Wes,” Mary said sadly. “He must have pre-ordered them. He certainly wouldn't want me to have them now.”
“What do you mean?” Suzie asked with concern.
“They were delivered early this morning while I was having my coffee. I knew you'd be up soon, I didn't want you to see me upset,” she admitted.
“Mary, you don't need to hide your feelings from me,” Suzie said and shook her head. “But, why do you think Wes wouldn't want you to have your flowers if he ordered them for you?”
“Well, because when I returned his gun to him last night, he was quite upset,” Mary admitted. “He was furious really. He told me that I never should have taken it in the first place, that it was a very dangerous thing I did, and that he couldn't trust me.”
“Oh, Mary I'm sorry,” Suzie said and frowned. “I'll talk to him. I'll explain to him how you saved my life.”
“No,” Mary shook her head. “I don't think there's really a point. He was right. I never should have taken it. He said if I had just told him the trouble I was in he would have been more than happy to help me. He lectured me about going there alone,” she sighed and looked out over the water. “You know, I thought I was ready for romance again, Suzie. But, I rather like not having anyone around to lecture me, or have an opinion on my life.”
“Hmm,” Suzie narrowed her eyes playfully. “Well, you do still have me,” she reminded her. “I plan to lecture you and have an opinion on your life for a very long time to come.”
“Very funny,” Mary cracked a smile. “But seriously. All of this questioning and mysterious behavior, it has left me exhausted. Is love really worth all of this work?” she shook her head as she looked back down at the flowers. “I guess there's really no reason to even think about it, considering that he wants nothing to do with me now.”
“Did he tell you that?” Suzie asked.
“Not in so many words,” Mary admitted. “But I knew that he meant it.”
“I'm sorry, sweetie,” Suzie said and hugged her. She was absolutely livid inside. She couldn't imagine a man who could be so cruel as to break a woman's heart right before her birthday. Sure he did have a reason to be angry since she did steal his weapon, but that didn't mean that he had to be so hurtful about it. “Maybe he will cool off and come to his senses.”
“To be honest, I'm not so sure that I want him to,” Mary admitted. “He was obviously focused on other things all week. I don't think the message could be much clearer. He is not interested in being part of my life.”
“Try not to think about it too much,” Suzie said. “It's your birthday today, remember?”
“Yes,” Mary smiled. “We should go out together and do something, Suzie. I don't want to spend the whole day thinking about Wes. Would you like to go to the movies or something?” she asked hopefully.
Suzie realized she was in a very difficult position. She had a ton of preparations to complete, including picking up Benjamin and Catherine from the airport. She had no idea how she could do any of it if she was spending the day with Mary. But she knew it would hurt her friend if she turned her down now.
“Why don't we go to lunch and then make plans from there?” Suzie suggested.
“Sounds good,” Mary said. She frowned for a moment and then spoke again, “I tried calling both Benjamin and Catherine this morning. I just wanted to hear their voices so I could cheer up. Neither of them answered. I know they're busy, and I really don't expect them to remember that it is my birthday, I just so wanted to hear them.”
“They might still be sleeping,” Suzie pointed out and tried to swallow back her guilt. “You know how college kids are.”
“You're right,” Mary shook her head. “I guess I'm just in a funk. I hope I can get out of it soon.”
“I'll make sure that you do,” Suzie assured her. “I'm going to make us some pancakes,” she said decisively.
“That sounds delicious,” Mary agreed with a wide smile. “Thank you, Suzie.”
“You just stay out here and enjoy the view,” Suzie encouraged her. “I'll bring everything to you.”
“Okay, I will,” Mary said as she gazed out over the glittering water. “I can't complain about the view, that's for sure.”
Suzie ducked back into the house. As soon as she was inside she ran to her room and grabbed her cell phone. She dialed Paul's number. She could only hope that he would be awake early even though it was his first day off the boat.
“Hello?” he finally answered groggily.
“Paul, I need you,” she said urgently.
“Oh baby, I need you, too,” he mumbled half-asleep.
“Paul! Be serious!” Suzie said sharply.
“What? What is it? Are you in trouble?” he asked, suddenly wide awake.
“No, I'm not in trouble, but my surprise party is,” Suzie sighed. “I'm sorry for waking you, it's just that I don't know who else to ask for help.”
“You can always ask me for help, Suzie,” Paul said firmly. “What can I do?”
“Mary and Wes are on the outs, so now she wants to spend the day with me. But I'm supposed to be picking up Ben and Cathy from the airport in two hours,” she explained as she walked cautiously back towards the kitchen.
“Wow, that is a problem,” he said. “Would you like me to pick them up?”
“Would you?” she asked warmly. “That would help me out so much.”
“Of course, and if there's anything else that you need, just let me know,” he replied. “I think it's amazing that after all you went through yesterday you're still sticking with the party today.”
“Well, it's her first birthday away from Kent, and she needs to have it even more now that Wes is being such a jerk,” she sighed.
“Now, to be fair she did steal his gun,” Paul pointed out.
“Paul, I don't need you getting all brotherhood of man on me right now,” Suzie said. “I just need to get things together for Mary.”
“Don't worry,” Paul laughed. “Wes is being flat out stupid if he's passing up on a chance to spend time with Mary. I'll get the kids from the airport, just text them and let them know that it will be me picking them up.”
“Okay, I will,” Suzie sighed. “Thanks Paul, and sorry for being so out of sorts this morning.”
“Don't apologize to me, sweetheart, I love you no matter what kind of sorts you're in,” he replied lovingly. Suzie smiled to herself. It was nice to be reminded how lucky she was. But it stung a little to think that Mary was not getting the same kind of treatment. She decided to call Wes and give him a piece of her mind. She dialed his number, but it went straight to voicemail. She was just pouring some pancake batter into the pan when Mary stuck her head inside the house.
“Suzie, I'm going to get dressed, let me know if you need help with breakfast.”
“Okay, I've got it covered,” Suzie smiled at her. Soon she had a plate filled with fluffy pancakes. She was fairly proud of them as she wasn't always the best cook. Just then she remembered to send the text to Benjamin and Catherine. She knew that they were probably already on the plane. She hoped that they would get the text when they landed. She prepared two plates for breakfast, and then heard a knock at the door. She walked over to the door and opened it to find Jason and Kirk standing outside. Suzie felt her heart skip a beat. She wondered if there had been a problem with Mary being in possession of the gun.
“Morning, Suzie,” Jason said as he took his hat off. He ran his hand back through his short red hair. “We wanted to check in with you two and make sure you're doing okay. I know today is Mary's birthday.”
“How nice,” Mary said as she stepped up behind Suzie. “Come in, have s
ome breakfast,” she offered warmly. Jason glanced over at Kirk who nodded eagerly.
“It smells delicious,” Kirk said.
“There is plenty,” Suzie said in a welcoming tone and opened the door further so that they could step inside. Soon, all four of them were on the porch sharing breakfast.
“How did things go at the station?” Suzie asked.
“Larry gave a full confession,” Jason said. “He even detailed how he took the screws out of the balcony. He used a ladder and climbed up, took the screws out, and climbed back down. Then, in the middle of the night he threw pistachio shells up on the balcony to get Warren to come outside. He said he waved and hollered as if he was in trouble to get Warren to lean forward against the railing. After that he fled off down the beach.”
“He would have gotten away with it,” Kirk said. “There was no physical evidence. He didn't even leave a fingerprint on the balcony, he never touched it, just the screws which he took with him. If it wasn't for the three of you getting in the middle of things, Warren Blasser's death would have been ruled an accident.”
“I'm just glad that his family will get some closure,” Mary said sadly.
“Listen to us talking about murder on Mary's birthday,” Jason said with a shake of his head. “Today should be a happy day.”
“With good friends and good food how could it not be?” Mary asked. She seemed to be in a much better mood. Suzie was glad that they had stopped by.
Chapter Fifteen
After Suzie had cleaned up from breakfast, she hid in her room to make a few phone calls.
“I need the cake to be delivered,” she explained to the baker. “If you can have it here by about five that would be perfect. Of course I'll pay extra.” Once the cake delivery was settled she placed a call to the caterers to make sure that the food would be ready to go by five. When she stepped out of her room she found Mary standing outside of it.
“What are you up to?” she asked suspiciously. “You've been sneaking around all day.”
“Nothing,” Suzie said innocently. “I was just making arrangements to meet with Paul later this evening.”
“Oh,” Mary nodded a little. She did her best to hide her disappointment. Suzie was just about to come up with even more excuses when her phone began ringing.
“I have to take this, I'm sorry, Mary,” Suzie said as she ducked back into her room. It was Paul.
“Hello?” she whispered into the phone.
“Suzie, why are you still at Dune House?” he asked. “I'm here with Benjamin and Catherine.”
“What?” Suzie glanced at her watch. “Oh no, I'm sorry! I lost track of time!”
“Well, if you come out you're going to see us. Do you want me to take them to lunch and come back in a little bit?” he asked.
“No, actually, just bring them in the back,” Suzie said. “Give me five minutes.”
“Okay,” Paul replied before he hung up the phone.
Suzie rushed back to Mary's side. “Ready to go to a movie?” she asked.
“Really?” Mary smiled with excitement.
“Yes, absolutely,” Suzie said. “Let's go right now, not a moment to waste.”
“Did you even check the times?” Mary asked with some confusion.
“Sure I did,” Suzie assured her. “Wait for me on the porch,” Suzie instructed. “I just have to grab my purse.”
“Don't worry about it, I'll drive and I'll pay,” Mary said. “Let's go or we'll miss the previews.”
“No way, you can't pay on your birthday,” Suzie said. “You get the car started, I'll be right out.”
“Okay, okay, but hurry,” Mary said as she stepped out onto the porch. As soon as she closed the door, Suzie rushed to the back door. She opened it to find Paul, Benjamin, and Catherine standing outside.
“Oh, it's so good to see you!” she said as she gave them both a quick hug. “I'm sorry to do this, but things haven't worked out the way I planned. I need to get you upstairs and hidden away before your mother sees you.”
“It's okay, Aunt Suzie,” Benjamin said and hugged her. Catherine gave her another tight hug.
“Is there anything that we can do to help?” she asked hopefully.
“Actually,” Suzie glanced between the two of them. “If you wouldn't mind, I could really use some help with decorating the dining room. I won't be able to if I'm spending time with Mary.”
“No problem,” Catherine said with a smile. “We'd be happy to help.”
“I can take them anywhere they need to go,” Paul added. “Just go enjoy your time with Mary.”
“Thank you so much,” Suzie sighed.
“Suzie?” Mary called out as she stuck her head in the front door. “Did you find your purse?”
Suzie gasped and herded Benjamin and Catherine into the pantry.
“Not yet!” Suzie called back shakily.
“Well, it's right here,” Mary said as she picked up Suzie’s purse which had been sitting on the kitchen island. Paul was crouched down behind it.
“Oh, silly me,” Suzie said. “Let's go!”
“Suzie, are you sure that you're okay?” Mary asked. “Yesterday was quite traumatic, maybe we should just stay in.”
“Nonsense,” Suzie said. “Let's get going,” she nearly pushed Mary out through the front door. The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of Suzie sneaking off to make phone calls. Mary was exasperated by the time the movie was over and they had finished lunch.
“Really Suzie, if you'd rather be with Paul it's fine,” Mary said with a shake of her head.
“The only person I want to be with on your birthday is you,” Suzie insisted. “But not with that hair,” she added.
“What?” Mary asked with surprise. She had worn the same hairstyle for a very long time.
“That's my birthday gift to you Mary, a trip to the hair salon,” Suzie said. “I'm going to let you get your hair done while I cook you a nice dinner at home. Louis said he will give you a ride home when you are done.”
“Okay, I guess,” Mary said with a slight frown. Then she shook her head and smiled. “Thank you, Suzie,” she said warmly.
“You deserve it, Mary,” Suzie said. Once she had made the arrangements with the hairstylist and pleaded with her to delay her until the time of the party, Suzie sent a text to Louis to let him know that Mary would be waiting for him. Then she rushed back to Dune House to help with the final party preparations and greet the guests. She had invited just about the entire town. As everyone began to arrive, she noticed that Wes was missing. Suzie tried to call Wes to see if he was going to be there. His phone went to voicemail. She growled with frustration.
“What's wrong?” Paul asked.
“I can't believe he's not here yet,” Suzie said as she paced back and forth in the foyer.
“It's okay, Suzie,” Paul said in an attempt to soothe her. “I'm sure he'll be here. Something must have come up.”
“He better be dead,” Suzie muttered. “Or I'll kill him myself.”
Paul raised his hands and backed away a few steps. “Scary,” he said.
“It's her birthday,” Suzie grumbled. “Her first one since she got away from that beast. She will be hurt if he doesn't show and I will be so furious with him.”
“Wow,” Paul chuckled. “I've never seen this side of you, Suzie,” he stepped closer to her. “I think I like it.”
“Not now, Paul,” she huffed and then peered out the front window. “Unbelievable,” she muttered just as a text came through from Louis to say that he and Mary were on their way. “Mary’s on her way, Wes is going to ruin the surprise,” Suzie said with frustration.
“Suzie remember, this is for Mary,” Paul said gently. “Let's just try to have fun, and maybe not so much talk about murder with the cop here,” he tilted his head towards Jason who had walked out to the foyer.
“Murder?” he asked and looked between the two. “I thought this was a party?”
“You're right, you're right,”
Suzie sighed. “Okay, everybody hide!” she said as she headed into the kitchen. Benjamin and Catherine were ducked behind the front desk. Mary opened the door. Suzie was surprised by the bobbed hairstyle she had chosen. It suited her, and made her eyes shine.
“Surprise!” Suzie shouted, signaling everyone to jump up from behind the furniture. Mary gasped and jumped backwards a few feet.
“What have you done, Suzie?” she roared. “Benjamin, Catherine?” she cried out. “Oh my babies!” she said happily and rushed over to them. She smothered them in hugs and kisses. Suzie couldn't stop smiling. Until she heard Wes shuffle in behind her.
“It's about time,” she said to him sharply and fixed him with a glare.
Wes shot back a harsh look. “I'm sorry, I got held up.”
“Wes! Do you see what Suzie has done?” Mary said, laughing with joy.
“I'm sorry I was late,” he said. “Here, I brought you a present,” Wes was still eying Suzie with some annoyance.
“Thank you,” Mary said sweetly. Suzie noticed Benjamin watching Wes closely, before he whispered to his sister.
“Open it,” Wes insisted. “I can't wait for you to see it.”
Mary smiled and began carefully unwrapping the gift. Inside the paper was a wooden box, with intricate designs on the sides.
“It's beautiful,” Mary said.
“No, no, you have to open the box,” Wes grinned.
Mary raised her eyebrows and lifted the lid on the box. Inside was what appeared to be a painting of the outside of Dune House, framed by the clear blue sea.
“It's a puzzle,” Wes blurted out. “I know how much you like them, so I thought you might like this.”
“I do,” Mary said with a gasp. “It's perfect, Wes,” she hugged him tightly.
“I'm glad you like it,” Wes said proudly. “I really wanted it to be a surprise and it was quite an adventure to get it done. I had to hunt down some real artists, and you know how unreliable they can be.”
“Is this what you've been keeping a secret?” Mary asked with surprise.
“Well, I thought it would be a simple present at first, but there was a lot more to it than I expected. I'm sorry that I've been so preoccupied, I just wanted it to be a surprise.”