“He’s drivin’ me crazy.” Sarah propped her feet up on the ottoman beside the Lazy-boy chair she was sitting in. “How’d the meetin’ go? I assume it got cut short again seein’ as yer here before eight o’clock.”
“Reggie and a bunch of ‘em got kicked out by Tracy Bowers.”
Sarah’s eyes widened. “Yer serious? They had the Deputy Sheriff there this time? They ain’t messin’ ‘round no more, huh.”
“Seems so. They’re not allowed to come to anymore meetin’s for a month, then they’re on probation.”
“My Lord.” Sarah shook her head in disbelief. “This town’d sure benefit from prohibition. All these drunks are messin’ everythin’ up for everyone.”
“Anyway, they’ve decided to use the land over by the highway for the hospital.”
“I figured,” Sarah conceded. “Makes sense to me, anyway.”
“Same here.”
Sarah lifted her head. “Who’d ya sit with?”
“Lee. Momma and daddy decided to sit it out, and Martha’s lookin’ after Henry.”
“Ah, so that’s the only reason ya sat with him, was it?” Sarah peered at Sherry speculatively through the corner of her eye.
Sherry frowned, cocking her head. “Why not? I asked him. Alan was with him, too.”
“Alan have anything to say about the fires?”
“Just that they found some unknown owner to the car. Nothin’ noteworthy.”
Sarah changed the subject. “So what happened after we left the night of the lodge dance? I heard you and Lee spent the night together. Is it true?”
“Technically, yes,” Sherry admitted then turned to Sarah quickly. “But it ain’t what ya think.”
“Do ya mean he didn’t make mad passionate love to ya like the rest of the town thinks?” Sarah teased.
Sherry rolled her eyes. “I passed out. He didn’t touch me.”
Sarah leaned toward Sherry. “Did ya want him to touch ya?”
“I ain’t ready for that yet. You know that.” Sherry stared intently at her hands.
“I was just teasin’, love.” Sarah patted Sherry on the hand. “Lee’s a real nice guy and if I was you I’d take things slow anyway.”
Sherry picked nervously at her finger as though deep in thought. Sarah noticed. “Are ya okay? I apologize, hunny. I didn’t mean to hurt yer feelin’s.”
Nodding, Sherry said, “It ain’t that.”
Removing her feet from the ottoman, Sarah sat right next to Sherry on the couch placing her arm around her. “Tell me.” She rubbed her back.
“He’s hurtin’ a lot. He’s had it rough,” Sherry explained forlornly. “I don’t know if I’d want to get involved seein’ as I’ve got enough problems.”
“You mean Denise?”
“My past, too. I still ain’t over Chris, ya know,” Sherry choked saying his name.
Sarah took Sherry’s chin in her hand and gently forced it over so they were face-to-face. “Now you listen here…” Her tone was firm but soothing. “We all got hurt inside us. If ya don’t, ya ain’t human, that’s the way it is. The way we get through it is by believing in God, ourselves and the ones we love.” Sarah wiped a tear falling down Sherry’s cheek. “Denise ain’t a problem. Now I know ya didn’t mean it that way, but remember she ain’t gonna be like this forever, and neither will you.”
“How do you know that,” Sherry said, like it was a statement more than a question. “Sarah, he’s lost a child. He’s seen enough trouble. He…”
“Deserves better?” Sarah ventured. “Now listen. God bless him for goin’ through the loss that he has, and God bless you, too. But I don’t ever want ya to think you ain’t good enough for somebody just ‘cause yer daughter ain’t perfect and ‘cause no matter who he is, he’ll never be Denise’s daddy.”
The young widow looked at her best friend with rounded eyes. Sarah looked at her apologetically. “Ya know I love you and yer family like my own, but Sherry, hunny, life goes on.”
Sarah went to the kitchen. She returned with two mugs of tea and offered Sherry one as she took the seat beside her.
“Now, are ya gonna let that little girl a yers go to that barn sleepover?” Sherry picked up on the accusatory tone.
“I have to think about it.”
Sarah looked at her simply. “She loves butterflies. It ain’t no accident.” She paused. “Why don’t ya let her have her wings?”
…
Four paper lawn bags lined the side of Lee’s house as Sherry walked by. “Hey, pretty lady,” he greeted. “Fancy findin’ you walkin’ out here.”
“I was just goin’ to meet Doug…err…Dr. Baker.” Sherry looked at the fresh layer of topsoil and newly planted flowers.
Lee frowned. “Everythin’ alright?”
“Yeah. Just discussin’ a few things is all.”
Walking closer to the garden, Sherry sniffed the freshly-bloomed roses, the pink petals tickled her nose. “I never knew Jinny Marx even had a rosebush.”
“She didn’t,” Lee said matter-of-factly. “I just planted ‘em today.”
“I never knew a fireman could have a green thumb.”
“I figure every time I ask ya to come over and help me fix somethin’, at least I could offer ya a fresh rose for yer troubles,” he winked.
“It’s no trouble.” Sherry changed the subject. “We’re havin’ a barbecue on Sunday, would ya like to join us? Should be some line-dancin’ if you’d like to brush up.”
“Sure. Hey, why don’t I take you and Denise on that tour of the fire hall on Saturday?”
“That’d be great, but…um...there’s the annual barn sleepover happenin’ on Saturday,” Sherry hesitated. “People are expectin’ Denise to be there.”
Lee’s brow furrowed. “You say that like ya don’t want her to go.”
“I don’t…really. But Luke’s gonna be there and more of her friends.” Sherry swept a piece of dirt off her shoe with the other shoe. “I don’t wanna disappoint anyone. ‘Specially Ned, he’s built a sleepin’ bunk in the loft special fer her.”
Taking a step toward her, Lee draped his arm over her shoulder. “Yer a good momma, ya know that?”
“Am I?”
Planting a gentle kiss on her cheek, he rubbed her shoulders. “You are.”
…
Ned stood at the front door with his hand on his hip as Sherry walked up the cobblestone driveway. “Where’s the little one?” he said expectantly.
“She’s at home with momma ‘n daddy.” Sherry looked at her feet. “I need to talk to Doug.”
“What’s wrong, dear?”
“Oh, nothin’ serious, Ned. I just need to talk about that research hospital with him.”
Ned’s face visibly relaxed. “Oh, thank the Lord.” His hand was on his chest. “Katie told me about that. If ya want my opinion, love, just do what’s right in your heart.”
“I know, Ned. I just wanna make sure I’m doin’ the right thang. Hopefully Doug can offer more insight.”
“He’s just in the office there, go on ahead,” he gestured.
Sherry approached the office door and gave it a gentle knock. Doug’s voice called from inside for her to come in.
“Hiya, Sherry. Nice to see ya.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks for seein’ me, Doug. It won’t take long.”
“Take all the time ya need, dear, I’m not expected at the hospital for another hour.”
Sherry took a seat beside Doug. “So what was your gut feelin’, Sherry? Did ya feel at all at ease after speaking with Dr. Nathan?”
“To be truthful Doug, no.” She shook her head. “He seemed a little pushy to me.”
Doug nodded. “From what I know of him he’s young and very spry. He’s a go-getter; definitely not from a small town.”
“Definitely not,” Sherry agreed.
“Well, did he explain things to ya clearly? Is there anything I can try to elaborate for ya?”
“No. He was clea
r. That wasn’t what worried me at all.”
Doug waited.
“I dunno. He just. He treated her like a number rather than a patient. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by you and Dr. Malcolm, but I got the impression he wasn’t goin’ to take good care of her. I got the feeling he was more worried about pushin’ his program than lookin’ after her best interests.”
“That’s sometimes the case with these new doctors from big cities.” Doug wrote a note on his file. “Well, he certainly offers a good program. But even the best programs don’t have any guarantees if the patient ain’t cared for the way they need to be.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“If it’d make ya feel better I can talk to him,” Doug offered. “Maybe I can have more of an impartial opinion. It’s up ta you, Sherry. I don’t mind.”
“Sure. That sounds like a good idea,” Sherry smiled. “Maybe it’s a woman thing, too. Sometimes men get nervous and talk all macho around a woman.”
Doug blushed. “Could be.”
“Talk to him and let me know whatcha think, Doug.” Sherry rose. “I won’t keep ya.”
“Take care, Sherry.”
…
Alan sat in his office, sipping a late afternoon coffee. The phone rang and he picked up quickly. “Arkansas Fire, Alan speakin’.”
“Err…Alan, it’s Ryan.” Ryan’s voice was gravelly and noticeably weak; like he was barely awake. Alan checked his watch, realizing Ryan Bennett was expected at the fire hall a half an hour ago.
“Ryan, what’s up? Everything okay?” Alan scratched his head.
“I’m afraid I’ve been throwin’ up my guts all day.” He paused to cough. “Maggie just woke me up and I can’t even lift my head enough to plant my feet on the floor.”
Alan didn’t question. Ryan had been a member of the fire hall for the last five years and this was probably his second time calling in sick.
“You stay in bed then, Ryan. I’ll get Lee to cover for ya. I know he ain’t doin’ anything tonight anyhow. Rest up and don’t worry.”
“A…thanks Alan. Listen, I gotta go. Not feelin’ too good.” The phone clicked.
Alan called Lee, arranging for him to take Ryan’s shift. Just as he hung up the phone, it rang again. Alan raised his brow, his phone hadn’t been this busy for as long as he could remember.
“Arkansas Fire, Alan speakin’,” he greeted.
“Alan Wilkins?” The woman on the line asked.
“Yes it is.” Alan sat up taller, pulling his chair closer to the desk.
“This is Greta Steinbrook calling from the forensics lab over in Little Rock.”
“Yes, Greta, what can I do for ya?”
Greta cleared her throat. “Um, we’ve traced a set of prints found on the car that was set on fire to a Wayne Carlisle…but you knew that, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And I understand that you needed more information on Mr. Carlisle?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, our records here show that the stolen vehicle, err…before it was reported stolen, was involved in a motor vehicle accident about eighteen months ago.”
Alan chuckled. “Well, that would account for all the damage…there was duct tape holdin’ up the bumpers. The thing was in terrible condition. Seemed settin’ it on fire did it a favor.”
“Err…yes. Well, it seems the accident didn’t occur while the car was in Mr. Carlisle’s possession, though.”
Silence.
Alan could hear Greta shuffling papers. “It seems the car was in the possession of a man on our records for a couple of DUIs, a Mr. Reginald Thomas Maxwell. Do you know this man?”
“Reggie Maxwell? Yes, I do. He’s given us some trouble here as well.” Alan’s heart was beating slightly faster. “How is he connected to Wayne Carlisle though? I couldn’t find any records for him here.”
Greta paused to type something into her computer. “Let’s look at his next of kin,” she murmured. “Ah, he’s the stepson of Margaret Carlisle-Maxwell.”
Alan was shocked. “Margaret? Why she never used the name Carlisle. No wonder we couldn’t figure out what the connection was.”
“Yes, sir. He must have lived with Mr. Maxwell just long enough to leave the vehicle behind.”
“That makes sense.”
“And it was reported stolen from Rodney Carlisle…looks like that’s Wayne’s uncle…estranged at any rate.”
“Geez…what a family,” Alan commented. “Thanks for yer troubles, ma’am…err…Ms. Steinbrook.”
“You’re welcome,” Greta said and hung up.
Alan interlaced his fingers in front of him. They knew where the car came from now, but the only question left was if Reggie was the one responsible for the fires, or if the car was simply stolen from his property and set fire to by someone else. Alan ran his fingers through his hair. The bottle left on the scene matched Reggie’s brand, but that was weak since anyone could have left it there. Reggie was known to be a troublemaker in town, but Alan wasn’t sure if it was enough to make him think Reggie could be responsible for setting the fires.
Reggie and his gang were so angry over the town’s decision to build the hospital by the highway instead of using the land over on Grogan St, and Alan’s heart began to beat faster again, thinking: what if those smaller fires were just the tip of the iceberg? Would Reggie and his gang be capable of doing something like that? Starting fires? They were just a bunch of drunks, how harmful could they possibly be?
Chapter 17
Denise’s backpack for the sleepover was packed so tight it took both Sherry and Gertrude to close it.
“Love, no offense, but it’s only overnight,” Gertrude chuckled. “What on earth does Denise need besides pajamas and a toothbrush?”
Sherry wiped a bead of sweat off her brow. “Momma, I just want her to have all the comforts of home. I packed Rainy Day bear, her purse, her favorite brush and hair tie, a picture of me and Chris and…Lord, I dunno what else.”
“Now don’t ya worry, dear. Ned and Kate’ll take good care of her. And don’t forget that she’ll be with Luke and a bunch of other kids.”
Sherry’s expression was solemn. “But what if she needs me in the night? What if she has a bad dream or she gets a tummy ache or somethin’?”
“Sherry, the Lord is with her always. Have faith. She’ll be safe just like she always is. What is meant to be is meant to be.”
“I know, momma, but I just can’t help feelin’ unsettled. She’s only seven years old.” Sherry frowned. “Is she even old enough for a sleepover?”
“Accordin’ to who?” Gertrude craned her neck back. “There an instruction manual she came with?” She said matter-of-factly. “Hunny, if she wants to go then she’s ready. Don’t fight it.”
Walking to the bedroom window, Sherry peered out. Granddaughter and Grampa were sitting on the porch swing. Denise was showing Kenny how to weave a bracelet. “I know, momma,” Sherry sulked. “I guess it’s just hard watchin’ her grow up so fast.”
“I know sweetie, but it’s time.”
…
Ned was with a dozen kids ranging in age, standing at the entrance to the horse stables as Sherry pulled up. Spotting the Eldorado, Ned walked down the driveway to meet the girls.
“Looks like you just missed part of the tour, sweetie,” Sherry said, craning her neck back so she could see Denise.
“Here, let me help ya with that, love.” Ned crouched down to help Denise with her backpack. He took it by the top handle, looking at Sherry. “Thanks dear, fer bringin’ her. Sure means a lot to me.”
“She’s real excited. She’s never slept in a hay loft before.”
Ned brightened. “Really? Oh darlin’ have I got a surprise for you!” He looked down at Denise.
Kate waved from the front porch. “Come on in. I’m makin’ a fresh pot a tea.”
Ned gestured Denise to the horse stables. “Come and let’s see what Midnight and Calvin are snackin’ on
. I saved ya some to feed ‘em.”
“Feel like keepin’ me company for a while?” Kate asked as Sherry watched Denise walk with Ned. Both women went into the house and sat at the kitchen table. “Ned’s ordered an extra truckload of hay bales for the kids to play on,” Kate said conversationally as she made a pot of tea. “Half of ‘em wouldn’t fit in the barn so we had to put ‘em inside the conservatory.” She gestured like it was no big deal. “He can handle movin’ ‘em over a few feet I s’pose.”
Kate poured two cups of tea, handing one to Sherry as she took a seat next to her.
“So where’re all the kids sleepin’ tonight?” Sherry asked.
“Ned’s lined up the bales like he did last year, in with the cows. We’ll move the stock outta there for the night so they don’t disturb the youngin’s. The little ones’ll sleep in the bunk above the troughs and the older ones’ll take the bales on the other side.”
“Can they get down from the bunk on their own?”
“Oh, yes,” Kate waved. “Ned built a wide ladder that’s attached to the bunk so it won’t fall. The kids’ll practice comin’ up and down later.”
They both paused to sip their tea.
“Will they have a campfire later on?”
Kate shook her head, swallowing. “Alan’s got a fire ban now; too dry.” She scrunched her nose.
“Doug gonna be home tonight?”
“He’s on rounds all night at the hospital,” Kate answered. “Be home in the mornin’ early though.”
“You’ve been busy.” Sherry observed all the baked goodies wrapped in cellophane, sitting on larger tables in the dining room. “The kids won’t go hungry, that’s for sure.”
“Ain’t no Baker or guest ever gone hungry,” Kate said matter-of-factly. “Your momma was by earlier to pick up some fresh eggs, looks like you and her are gonna do some bakin’ tomorrow.”
Denise walked by the window, seeing her mom standing there. For the first time in as long as Sherry could remember, Denise waved to her and smiled. Not a short, casual smile, but an ear-to-ear ‘God-I-couldn’t-be-any-happier-if-I-tried’ smile. A lump in her throat formed as Sherry decided it was time to go. She turned to Kate, sighing. “Call me if ya need me.”
She Only Speaks to Butterflies Page 17