At Witt's End

by Beth Solheim

  "Such a nice young couple,” Mrs. Boutain whispered to her dinner partner as they were escorted to their table.

  Strains of jazz filtered into the dining room from the lounge.

  Nan sipped her wine. She grinned coyly. “Stop staring at me like that. You're making my mind wander."

  "Good.” Paul laughed. “But that'll have to wait till later. I need to talk to you.” He raised his glass and waited until Nan's glass touched his. “Here's to an important evening. Here's to our future."

  The maitre d’ led the waiter to their table and stood back as the server set their plates in front of them. After a gesture signaling Paul's satisfaction, the two men gathered the tray and exited the room.

  "I love your hair pulled back like that. You look angelic.” Paul rubbed his fingers over the top of her hand.

  "It's the glow from the candles. Or maybe the wine's clouding your vision."

  "You're beautiful whatever the reason,” Paul said. “But I suspect it's because I'm in love with you."

  Surprised by Paul's declaration, Nan set her glass on the white linen and placed her fingers in the arc of Paul's hand. “That's the first time you've actually told me you loved me. I've often wondered if that's how you felt, but was afraid to get my hopes up. Before when we talked marriage, you seemed so nonchalant.” She cocked her head. “You're a hard man to read."

  "It's hard for me to say, but that's how I feel. I'm in love with you Nan. I want to marry you."

  The tender moment was interrupted by the waiter lifting their salad plates and replacing them with their entrees. “Enjoy your meal while it's hot,” Paul said. “We'll discuss this after dinner."

  The sound of Paul's voice warmed Nan as she listened to him chat about the day's events. He spoke with such fervor she stopped eating. Paul had ordered Chateau Briand with Bearnaise Sauce. Known state-wide for their presentation of beef tenderloin smoked over apple wood prior to being roasted, Yerry's on the Bay had won several national awards for their gourmet rendition.

  The sun tickled the horizon adding to the room's glow. Candlelight shimmered in Paul's eyes and his Romanesque features disarmed her. When Paul entered a room, women lingered a bit too long attempting to portray an image he'd find appealing.

  When Nan first met Paul, she denied the attraction. He could never be interested in her. Glamour had not been her forte because her profession didn't allow time for primping and even if it did, she wondered if she could live up to his expectations.

  Paul oozed charisma. Nan had become self-conscious about her appearance when she noticed the caliber of woman Paul escorted around town. She had always been disillusioned with her curly blond hair. Even though it was natural, she wished for dark hair and piercing eyes like the other women Paul dated. Instead, she did nothing to change the pale features that were part of her heritage.

  Nan was shocked when Paul had phoned her a year ago asking for a date. Her nerves had gotten the better of her during their first encounter and she wrote the date off as an utter failure.

  Drastic changes had taken place in her life over the past several years. Her parents had died tragically in a boating accident and then she had taken on a financial burden by signing the mortuary land-lease with the Witt sisters. That lease could be her ruin. If the sisters lost the resort, she'd lose everything. Adding to her tangled situation, she now found herself contemplating marriage to a man she barely knew. Even though she spent ample time with Paul, she felt he held her at arm's length.

  The maitre d’ waited for a signal from Paul before instructing the waiter to remove their plates. “Are you ready for dessert, sir?"

  "I couldn't possibly eat another bite,” Nan said. “I'm absolutely stuffed."

  "Let's see what they've got. You don't have to eat if you don't want to."

  The maitre d’ smiled. “Yes, sir,” he said as Paul pointed at the menu.

  A business associate of Paul's stopped by the table and offered condolences on the recent loss of his business partner. “I suppose it's going to be a mess sorting through the legalities.” Shaking his head the man added, “I still can't believe an entire family died in that accident."

  "I can't either,” Paul said. “Thanks for your concern."

  Nan placed her hand on Paul's wrist as the man walked away. “Don't forget. If there's anything I can do to help sort things out, let me know."

  "Thanks,” Paul said. “I've got it under control."

  The maitre d’ placed Nan's dessert in front of her before setting Paul's glass on the table. The long stemmed glasses were rimmed with sugar and filled with strawberries. The maitre d’ tipped Paul's glass to let champagne trickle down the inside of the stemware. He did the same with Nan's glass. He placed two long-handled forks next to the glasses before smiling at Nan. “I hope you enjoy your strawberries."

  "You remembered,” Nan gushed. “One good thing about our first date was the fresh strawberry I had in my wine. Everything else was a disaster."

  "You knocked your plate off the table, your heel got caught in the sidewalk grate, and you slipped and fell outside the theatre,” Paul said. “The only time you smiled that night was when you saw that fresh strawberry and you devoured it in one bite."

  "That's because my dinner ended up on the floor.” Nan stabbed at a strawberry and held it up to Paul's lips. He eased it off the fork and mimicked the gesture, lifting a sugared strawberry to her lips. The savory juices flowed over her tongue. She gathered another berry. “That maitre d’ makes me nervous,” Nan whispered. “He keeps staring at us."

  "He's staring at you. The man knows a beautiful woman when he sees one."

  "I think he wants us to hurry and finish so he can go home."

  "I doubt it."

  She tipped her glass to find the next strawberry. Nan squinted, staring deeper into the glass. “Oh my God.” Jerking her head up to look at Paul, she uttered, “Oh my God.” She placed the fork gingerly into the center of the berry and lifted it out of the glass. “I can't believe it."

  Paul reached for the strawberry and pulled it from the fork. He removed the diamond ring and said, “Give me your hand."

  As tears began to pool in Nan's eyes, Paul slipped the ring on her finger. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

  Wiping her eyes, Nan gaped in disbelief. “I can't believe you. How did you manage this?” Nan looked toward the side of the room where several restaurant employees were lined up watching the event unfold. Nan mouthed a thank you in their direction before grasping Paul's hand.

  "I've waited a long time to find happiness, Paul. I can't believe this.” She dabbed under her eyelid, trying not to smear her mascara. “I can't believe this."

  Laughing, Paul said, “You already said that."

  "Of course I'll marry you. But..."

  "I don't like the sound of that,” Paul said, grasping her hand.

  "I need to make sure you understand what you're getting into.” She placed a hand on her chest. “You need to understand before you commit to a life with me."

  "You need to give me some credit, Nan. I've thought this through. You're concerned about Aanders. You're worried how he'll adjust to having someone new in his life. I also know you're concerned about your finances and you don't want to be a burden."

  "That's exactly what I'm worried about."

  "I'll make a deal with you. Let's not talk about this until tomorrow. Let's go to the boat and celebrate the way engaged couples should celebrate.” Paul pulled Nan from her chair. “I promise tomorrow we'll sit down and map out a plan that will work for both of us."

  "I wish you could spend the night. I don't want you to go,” Paul whispered, his lips caressing Nan's neck.

  "I have to go,” Nan said. “I can't leave Aanders alone. You know how I feel about that."

  Nan moved several items around in her purse, searching for her house keys. The evening on the boat had been magnificent and the scent of Paul's skin still lingered. He had truly knocked her off her feet
when he told her he wanted to buy the land for the mortuary as a wedding gift. She had been giddy with joy. Her legacy would stay intact. Paul confessed he hadn't wanted to tell her about the land until later, but in the throes of passion, he divulged his secret.

  Nan's purse tipped over, spilling the contents onto Paul's car seat. As she tried to push everything back into her purse with one sweeping motion, several items and slips of paper fell to the floor. She ran her fingers along the floor under the seat. Grasping the papers, she pulled them up, folded them and shoved them into her purse.

  After returning home and placing the keys next to her purse on her kitchen table, Nan noticed note paper protruding through the purse clasp. She removed the items and carried them to Aanders’ room. She pushed on the door and slipped into his room without a sound.

  A hairy lump of dog sprawled in a U shape around Aanders’ pillow. Five thumps of Belly's tail signaled he was aware Nan had entered their sanctuary.

  Lost in sleep, Aanders lay on the far side of his bed with his video control resting on his chest. Nan switched the television off and placed the remote control on his dresser before bending to kiss his forehead. She watched his chest rise and fall in slumber, thankful sleep offered him a brief respite from the sorrow. She pulled the blanket up over his body.

  Before Nan flipped the kitchen light off and surrendered to fatigue, she turned the papers over and paged through the notes. She wadded the first one into a ball and tossed it into the waste basket. She placed the second slip on the counter. She'd deal with it in the morning. She studied the return address on the final piece and realized she had picked up an envelope belonging to Paul.

  Nan placed the envelope next to her purse. She'd give it to Paul when they got together in the morning to discuss their plans. She turned out the kitchen light, hesitated for a moment, flipped it back on, and lifted the envelope from the table. She ran her finger over the return address. “Gessal Life Insurance. Where have I heard that before?"

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  24

  -

  Failing to get the attention he felt he deserved, Belly grunted and dropped down onto the rug next to the screen door. He scratched at his blue rhinestone collar and stared soulfully toward the crossers. No one noticed. A pitiful whine erupted before he rolled over and closed his eyes.

  "We'll leave you to your business,” Jane said, glancing at her sister and Aanders sitting at the table. Jane placed her nose on the screen and peered back into the cabin. “Don't be too hard on the boy. You had to learn how to be a death coach, too."

  Jane grabbed Mr. Bakke's arm and led him toward the steps. She suddenly turned back and shouted, “If I remember right, you made your share of mistakes as a death coach. In fact you made quite a few. I'd be willing to share them with Aanders."

  "Thank you for those words of wisdom."

  "Think nothing of it,” Jane yelled from the bottom step.

  "Has anyone seen Rodney today?” Sadie queried.

  Everyone seated at the table shook their heads.

  "Don't tell me he found someone on the brink. We couldn't possibly be that fortunate,” Theo said. “At least I'd have a few tranquil moments before I go on to the next phase."

  As Tim leaned on Sadie for support, Sadie directed the crossers’ attention to Aanders. “Let's hear why Tim thinks his father was murdered.” She shot a stern glare toward Aanders. “If you think this will buy you more time with Tim, you're wrong."

  Getting no response, she tapped the table top with a blue lacquered nail. “Aanders, I'm serious. You need to understand the consequences if Tim doesn't go though the light.” Sadie tugged at her blue paisley halter top trying to resituate it against the strain of Tim's weight.

  Aanders’ foot twitched against the table leg setting the surface in motion. “I already know what will happen. You told me a million times. He'll disappear and never get to see his mom and dad."

  "I trusted you, young man. You let me down. How will you ever earn your rainbow if you can't honor the rules?” Sadie's jaw tightened. “Someone obviously made a mistake when they selected you."

  "I'll do it. I promise. If someone dies I'll make sure Tim goes through their light.” Aanders’ chest began to heave as he fought the inevitable loss. Giving in, he let the tears come. “I couldn't stand it if he didn't get to see his mom again."

  The screen door slammed and Belly yelped as Rodney tripped over him. “Get the hell out of my way, you stupid dog."

  A rumble erupted from Belly. The dog rose and walked stiff legged towards the surly man. Belly's jowls puffed a snarled warning while the rumble grew deeper.

  "Belly. Go back to the rug and lay down.” Sadie pointed toward the door when Belly looked at her in annoyance. “I said lay down."

  A louder growl escaped the dog. He circled and then plopped back into his previous position. A snort finished his protest, but his eyes remained fixed on Rodney.

  "It ain't raining,” Rodney said. “You're talking about rainbows and there ain't a cloud in the sky."

  Flicking at her blue gelled hair with his fingers, Rodney said, “You're losing it, old woman."

  Sadie batted at his hand. “You're late. Sit down and join the session.” She gestured toward an empty chair with her foot.

  "I don't need to. I've got my plan ready to go.” Rodney shot Lora a side-glance. He opened the door to the inner room. “I'll be leaving this dump real soon. You can count on it."

  Lora winced as Rodney slammed the door. She crossed her arms over her chest and squeezed tight before taking a peek toward the inner room. Sadie's voice redirected Lora's attention to her fellow crossers.

  "We need to hear why Tim thinks his dad was murdered,” Sadie said. “I believe you told me he had proof."

  "It isn't exactly proof. But he saw something that might make you believe it.” Aanders sat forward and leaned his chest against the table.

  "Before they picked me up to go to the movie, Tim heard his dad argue with his business partner. Tim's Dad accused Paul of doing something bad.” Aanders paused, looked at Sadie. “Then Paul threatened his dad."

  "Lots of people argue. But that doesn't mean they commit murder,” Sadie said.

  "I know that. He told Tim's Dad if he turned him in, it would be the biggest mistake of his life. He said he wouldn't live to see another day."

  Theo leaned toward Aanders. “Son, you have to learn that people make threats they never act on. Threats are a way of scaring people. It lets them know they mean business."

  Aanders looked at Tim for guidance. “When they were arguing, the man got so mad he pushed everything off the desk onto the floor."

  Tim looked up at Sadie. “Mom cried when she helped Dad pick up the papers. She told Dad to call the police. She said things were getting out of control and she was afraid Paul would do something drastic."

  "Paul's been dating my mom,” Aanders said. “I need to tell her about this, but I don't know how. I'd have to tell her I talk to dead people. That will freak her out.” He scowled at Sadie. “And you said I can't tell anyone."

  With eyebrows raised in curiosity, Theo said, “Do you know what was on those papers that made Paul so angry?"

  "Not really,” Tim said. “Dad is Mr. Brink's bookkeeper. He does the books on our computer and won't let me play games on it because it's strictly for business."

  "Do you know if the papers are still there?” Sadie pulled her arm from behind Tim. “Or did Paul take them with him?"

  "I think they're still there. I didn't see him take anything when he left.” Tim looked from Theo to Sadie. “After Mom helped him pick up the mess, Dad locked the papers in a drawer. But I know where he hides the key."

  "That still isn't enough to prove he was murdered,” Theo said.

  "But Tim saw Paul shoot at them.” Aanders shrunk back when all heads turned toward him. “He saw Paul with a rifle."

  "What?” Sadie stared in disbelief. “You saw Paul with a gun?"

  "A rif
le,” Tim answered. “Mom saw him, too."

  "You mean Paul brought a rifle to your house?” Stunned, Theo sat forward on his chair

  "No. He was standing in the woods."

  "Where?” Sadie said.

  "Right near where we had the accident. After the movie we dropped Aanders off and headed home. I had my earphones in my ears. Mom told Dad I had my music on and couldn't hear them. They always tell secrets when they think I'm listening to my iTunes. She didn't know I hadn't turned it on yet."

  Tim paused; Aanders took the lead. “She asked Tim's dad if he could prove Paul was stealing the old people's money. His dad said he had proof his partner bezzled."

  "Embezzled?” Theo offered.

  "That's the word,” Tim whispered.

  "But where does the rifle fit into this?” Sadie said.

  "When Mom and Dad were talking about him stealing the old people's money, I saw Mom point out the window. When I looked, I saw Mr. Brinks pointing a rifle at us. He was on the edge of the woods. I knew it was him because he had on the same camouflage he wears when he shoots with Dad."

  The group drew a collective breath trying to absorb the information.

  "Are you sure, Tim?” Sadie asked. “You're not making this up?"

  "See?” Tim's voice caught in his throat. He looked at Aanders. “I told you she wouldn't believe me."

  "I believe you,” Theo said, rising from his chair. He crouched near Tim. “What happened after you saw Mr. Brinks with his rifle?"

  "I heard a pop and then Mom screamed. She must have seen the flash from the rifle, too. Right after that, the car skidded toward the ditch. I could see Dad fighting with the steering wheel, but the car shot across the highway and into the ditch on the other side. It seemed like grass was flying everywhere. Then all of a sudden Dad's door flew open and that's all I remember."

  Sadie's hand covered her lips. “Oh my God. Paul shot at Richard. That's what caused the car to go off the road.” She looked at Theo. “Deputy Friborg was right. It wasn't an accident."

  "Were autopsies done on the bodies?” Theo said.

  "Just Richard's. But Nan didn't mention any bullet holes when she prepped their bodies. If they would have found bullet holes, it would have been considered murder. Everything I read in the newspaper indicated it was an accident. They think Richard swerved to miss a deer."