by Janie Brians
These things along with its turquoise waters, creamy sandy beaches, and close proximity to the U.S., made Grand Bahama the island of choice for a majority of travelers. To some extent the nearby island of New Providence, with its capital city of Nassau, began to be overlooked to. However, to visit one and not the other was to get only half of the story of this enchanting chain of islands. Freeport offered the more modern forms of entertainment, whereas Nassau held an Old World charm that Freeport did not have.
Englishmen first came to the Bahamas in the 1600's. Backed by the support both in money
and ships from Queen Elizabeth I, British sailors like Sir Francis Drake and John Hawkins vied
with Spain for treasures from the New World. Fort Charlotte, one of two forts on the island, was built to fight off any unwelcome visitors, such as the pirates who also sailed those waters.
Nassau, with her government buildings, some of which dated back to the 1700's, and her elegant Victorian hotel, was a living testimony to those bygone days. Nearly every summer the Jones family spent a few weeks there and Anne and Lizzie always looked forward to taking a guided tour of Fort Charlotte. The men that conducted the tours related its macabre history in just the perfect eerie voice to make the girls think twice every time they began descending the stairs to those dark dungeons below.
The summer of 1973, however, found the Jones family far away from their usual Nassuvian vacation spot. That summer saw them landing, after an 8-hour flight, at the European town of Luxembourg. In four weeks they would taste the food and try to absorb some of the culture from four different countries: Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and France.
When their dad and mom had first informed them of this trip Anne could barely speak. To actually be in some of the places they'd learned of in school and from friends was a dream come true for them. To be in the world -famous Louvre Museum or walk down the Champs Elysee in Paris; to see the majesty of the Matterhorn or the Jungfrau of Switzerland; feel the drama within the walls of the ancient roman Coliseum; these were the things that went round in Anne's mind as she almost ran the three blocks to Kate's house. Of course she had to share her news with Kate. She'd be so excited too.
"Well what are you looking at me like that for? I said I was happy for you didn't I?" Kate snapped at Anne.
"I guess I thought you'd be excited too. We used to be like that, remember Kate? When
something great happened to one of us we always shared it with the other. But... ever since......"
“Ever since what Annie?” she asked impatiently.
“Never mind, Kate. I don’t want another argument.”
"Then don't preach to me about how its all wrong with....with....well with my boyfriend. You
don't know how it is with us anyway. You don't even know WHO it is. But don't worry, probably
the time you get back from Europe we'll be engaged. Then everybody will know." Then, as that thought cheered her, she looked at her friend a little apologetically and said, with a trace of her usual smile, "Of course I'm excited for you, Annie. I've just got a lot on my mind lately."
"If you want to talk about it I'm here, you know."
"At least for the next twenty-four hours, right?" she joked. "No, it'll all work out. It has to. Now, I expect you to send me postcards from every city that you visit," then with a dramatic tone to her voice she said, "I shall wait by the mailbox every day for word from my dear friend across the ocean!"
"Okay, don't get crazed," Anne said and laughed. They spent the next hour talking about the trip and, although Kate seemed to be genuinely interested, Anne still felt that she was somewhat distracted. When Anne said good-bye Kate hugged her and said, " I almost wish I was going with you."
"I wish you were too," Anne replied and then added encouragingly, "But I'll be back soon and ...and you'll be engaged and we'll get busy planning your wedding. I am going to be in your wedding, I hope."
"You and Lizzie both, of course." She brightened at that and hugged Anne again. "Don't forget, I want plenty of postcards."
"Don't worry, I'll send plenty. But we'll probably get back here before they do....See ya!"
The next four weeks passed much too quickly for Anne and her family. Switzerland's picture-perfect villages contrasted with the bustling city of Rome, brimming with history. Golden wheatfields, beautiful flamenco dancers, and handcrafted leather goods reflected the warmth of
the people of Spain. France dressed its hills and valleys with vineyards and its world-famous city of Paris with side-walk cafes, ornate bridges, and the Eiffel Tower. They had only scratched the surface when it was time to return home and, before they knew it they were on the plane heading back to Freeport. They brought with them a myriad of pictures, souvenirs, and memories. But those happy memories and fun-filled days were soon overshadowed by a tragedy that also took place that summer. To Anne it was a horrible, dark tragedy that would forever change her life and haunt her mind.
CHAPTER FOUR
THEY ARRIVED AT Freeport International Airport around midnight Monday. Ed had a flight to Trinidad the next day at 5:00 p.m., so they went home and straight to bed without even unpacking. At 8:00 a.m. the next morning Anne reluctantly opened sleepy eyes.
"Just a little longer," she thought and turned over and went back to sleep. Two hours and several dreams later she awoke to the sounds of lawn-mowers and weedwackers. The Paradise Lawn Maintenance crew was hard at work on the next-door neighbor's well-manicured lawn. Anne's mom walked into her room carrying the suitcase that she had dropped in the living-room the night before.
Through a yawn Darlene said to her daughter, "I don't know how, but fortunately your father is still asleep. Are you ready to get up, honey? Lizzie is up and requesting waffles for breakfast, how about you ?"
"Sounds good, mom. I'll be out in a few minutes."
Anne managed to drag herself out of the bed and into the bathroom. After splashing cold water on her face she felt a little revived. Jet-lag was still at work so she had three cups of coffee trying to counteract it. The three of them spent the next hour enjoying a leisurely breakfast
and reminiscing about the trip. Ed appeared in the kitchen doorway showered, shaved, and
looking far more awake than any of the three females.
"How are my three girls doing this morning?" he asked as he kissed each of them.
"Not as bright-eyed as you, hon," Darlene answered with a chuckle.
"Maybe you should have a shower and a shave too." he said playfully.
"Are waffles okay, Eddie?"
"Sounds great; and a couple of eggs over light too, D. I'm ravenous this morning."
"So what are you two up to today?" he asked his daughters as he sat down at the table with them.
"Oh, I've got all kinds of exciting things in mind for them today," their mother interjected , "Things like unpacking, straightening their rooms, helping with the wash..." she smiled an angelic smile. Ed grinned and gave them a look that said, 'tough break girls, but I can't help you out this time.'
So their first day back was a lesson in back-to-reality. They unpacked and handed the clothes needing washing over to their mom and then set to work in their rooms. After making her bed, Anne laid out all her souvenirs and the gifts she'd bought for friends, going over in her mind who got what.
"Lets see, the leather wallet from Spain is for Pauly, and this silver sombrero key-chain is for Chris."
In France she'd seen some beautifully ornate yet inexpensive pillboxes and immediately thought of Winnie. But Anne's favorite gift was the one she had bought for Kate and she couldn't wait to give it to her. Both girls loved jewelry, but while Anne's weakness had always been for rings, Kate was always more drawn to bracelets. She had quite a collection of them already, but she had not yet found a charm bracelet and Anne knew that she had always wanted one. In Rome, in a little shop that faced Trevi Fountain, Anne had seen the most exquisite charm bracelet ever. It was a delicate filigree chain with four charms attached to it,
each representing something from the country. One charm was a tiny bunch of grapes made of a deep purple Italian marble with gold leaves and vines curling around them. The second charm was a golden gondola, and the third was a small Leaning Tower of Pisa intricately carved in white marble. The fourth charm was Anne's favorite. A gold filigree heart. As soon as she had seen this bracelet, she'd known it was what she wanted to get for Kate.
"Annie, hon, would you fold these clothes for me? Thanks." Darlene said as she dropped a pile of cleaned and dried clothes on the bed. Looking at the bracelet in Anne's hand, she said, "I think she's going to love it."
"Me, too. I'm going to call and see if she's home so I can take it over today." And seeing her mother's expression, she added a little sarcastically, "After were all done here, of course."
Darlene chuckled and said, "First we're going to have an early dinner before your father has to leave."
It was a family custom that when their dad had a flight that would keep him overnight somewhere, they always tried to have a meal together before he left.
"Okay, after dad leaves I'll give Kate a call."
The phone rang just then and Anne ran to it hoping that it was Kate calling. Instead, Uncle Malcolm's voice came through the line.
"Well, and isn't it about time you people get home!"
"Hi, Uncle. Did you miss us?"
"Well, I haven't had a good meal in a month, lass." he teased.
"Mom, it’s Malcolm begging for some more of your cooking!" Anne called to her mother from the kitchen.
"Tell him we'll set another place for him." Darlene answered back with a laugh.
"Okay, Uncle, your worries are over. Come have dinner with us. We're eating at 4:00 p.m. today. Dad has a flight to Trinidad."
"Yu'v saved my life, lass. And I want to hear all about yeertrip, do ya hear?"
"Okay. Oh, Lizzie and I have a surprise for you, too."
"My darlins', you didn't forget your old Uncle Malcolm. As soon as I've closed up here, I'll be over."
They hung up and within the hour the doorbell rang announcing Malcolm's arrival. Dinner was fun as they all chimed in telling him about their fabulous vacation. But time flew by and Ed had to leave for the airport. He had called the weather bureau and they reported good weather south to Venezuela. With a hug and a kiss for all his girls, he grabbed his flight bag and headed out the door.
"Take care of my girls while I'm gone," he said to Malcolm on his way out.
"Will do, captain." Malcolm replied.
Darlene set about clearing off the table while Lizzie and Anne pulled Malcolm from his chair at the table and brought him into the living room.
"We've got your surprise, uncle." Lizzie told him. She ran into her room and came back carrying the gift. "We bought it in Spain. Hope it fits you." She handed it to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Darlin1, if it isn't the finest leather belt I've ever seen, or my name's not Malcolm McAllistair!" He immediately tried it on and it fit perfectly.
"I love it! Thanks for thinking' of your old uncle." he said as he gave both girls a hug.
"Malcolm, would you like some coffee now?" Darlene offered.
"Yes, thanks Darlene." So they all sat and listened to Malcolm tell what he'd been doing doingwhile they were away.
"Things have been a little slower this summer. Not so many visitors. I guess the poor economy is affecting everybody. I've spoken to several of the dive boat owners and they've felt it too. Lets hope its just a temporary slump."
And after an hour or so he left and the girls set about doing the dishes. By the time they were finished, it was nearly 7:00p.m. Anne gave Kate a call.
"Hi there, Annie. It's so good to hear your voice, dear." said Kate's mom. "I'm sorry but Kate
isn't here right now. She said she had to go to town for something and not to expect her back until late. I'll tell her to give you a call when she gets in, okay? I'm glad you're back. She's been rather depressed lately. I think she missed you, dear."
"Well, I've got a surprise for her and I'm dying to give it to her. I hope she likes it."
"Oh, that's nice of you, Annie. I'm sure just seeing you again will cheer her up."
"Thanks, Mrs. Grant. Bye."
Anne hung up the phone with a feeling of disappointment clinging to her.
"Why hasn't she called me?" She wondered. " Even if she does have a date with Mr. Wonderful, she could at least have called and talked on the phone for a while. Oh well, I guess people in love don't always think straight," she decided philosophically. She was very curious by that time about the identity of the mystery man and was determined to make Kate spill her guts the next time she saw her. It was strange, though. From her conversation with Mrs. Grant, it certainly didn't seem like Kate had told her parents yet. Anne thought for sure Kate would have told them by now. The day before Anne had left for Europe, Kate had insinuated as much.
"What's the matter? What's taking so long?" Anne wondered. "If I loved somebody, I'd shout it from the rooftops." she said under her breath.
"I don't think Danny Drake would like it if you did that." Lizzie teased, appearing from nowhere.
"Mind your own business, squirt." Anne said as she chased her into her bedroom. Lizzie quickly slammed the door in her face and Anne could hear her giggling on the other side.
Anne stayed up that night waiting for Kate's call. She read for awhile and then turned on the TV to keep her company after her mom and Lizzie went to bed. Finally by midnight she couldn't keep her eyes open, so she gave up and went to bed. She fell asleep and dreamed that Kate was trying to call her on the phone but each time Anne picked up the receiver she could hear Kate, but Kate couldn't hear her.
First thing after breakfast the next morning, she called Kate.
“I don't care if she is still asleep," she thought as she dialed the phone number, "she can wake up and talk to me. Late night or not."
"H..hello?" Mrs. Grant's voice sounded a little shaky.
"Hi, Mrs. Grant. May I talk to Kate, please?"
"Oh... Annie...oh, I'm so glad you called. Please dear, have you heard from Kate?" she sounded close to tears.
Until that moment, Anne hadn't even considered that Kate could be in any danger. She'd
just been assuming that she was off with her boyfriend. The thought that she could be in danger made a shiver run up her spine. She began to feel very uneasy. A feeling that increased as time went on.
Anne and Lizzie arrived at the Grant's home and Mrs. Grant seemed to be very relieved to see them.
"Would you girls like some cookies or something? I made some oatmeal-raisin cookies yesterday. They're Kate's favorite..." She turned away and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"No thanks," Anne said and Lizzie gave her a look that said, 'speak for yourself’. "Don't worry, Mrs. Grant, I'm sure Kate will be home any minute now," Anne continued. To herself she thought, " She may be married by then, but that would be the better alternative."
A little while later Darlene drove up. Mrs. Grant welcomed her inside and they sat and talked as Darlene tried to soothe her distraught friend. Not much later, a police car pulled into the driveway.
This was not good. Anne felt the muscles in her stomach tense up, "Let it be good news!" she prayed fervently.
"Hello, m’am. Does a ....." the officer looked down at something in is hand, "Katherine Alicia Grant live here?"
"Y...yes officer, she's my daughter," Mrs. Grant's voice was near hysteria.
"I'm sorry to have to inform you, but your daughter was found in her car late this morning...at the bottom of the canal by Queen's Cove Road. I'm sorry, m’am, ..she's dead.
CHAPTER FIVE
YEARS AFTER THAT horrible day, Anne could still feel the shock, the overwhelming sense of loss of it all. And as always, the same question pounded in her brain. WHY?
The official cause of death was stated to be accidental death by drowning. The explanation given after an examination of the body and the
car and the skid marks that led to the canal, was that for some reason she'd lost control of the car and went into the water. The canal was only about ten feet from the road and there was no guardrail to stop her or slow her down. A large bump on her head indicated that, at impact with the water she was knocked unconscious and drowned in minutes. There were no signs of violence and only a trace of alcohol in her blood. Kate gone-- It couldn't be true!
But it was true. Anne walked around in a sort of daze for the whole of her last school year. She went to class, did her homework and household chores. She talked normally and even laughed after a while, but inside she felt cold. Inside, something had died with Kate. Anne wasn't
the only one affected either. Although Pauly and Chris were young, it had had an effect on them, too. Some of their childhood was lost. Lizzie wouldn't even ride in a car for weeks after the accident and sometimes at night Anne could hear her little sister crying in bed. It was as if with Kate's death the innocence of childhood had died too.
At her graduation, Anne felt like 47 instead of 17.
" How could it have happened?" she'd ask herself, over and over. "Such a senseless and
stupid accident! And why did her boyfriend never come forward? Did he know that she had been nearly two months pregnant when she died?"
For the sake of her parents, her pregnancy was not made public. Only Anne, her parents and the doctor who had examined Kate, and was a friend of the family, knew about it. If her boyfriend had known, he hadn't seemed to care. Or maybe he had been afraid.
After her last year of school, Anne's parents suggested she take some time off and do a little traveling. A change of pace and scenery would do her a world of good, they said. So she spent a few months with some friends of the family living in Toronto. Their easy, comfortable manner was very soothing and before she knew it she was out of the house and enjoying the delightful variety within that lovely city. At the end of three months she was ready to get back into life. She returned home feeling better than she had in over a year and she was glad to be back, despite the memories. While Lizzie finished high-school and then a secretarial course, Anne went to college and majored in journalism. After graduating, she was able to land a job in Miami for the Herald. However, she preferred being in Freeport. It was her base. She felt her roots were there and that was where she wanted to live. So after two years in Florida, she once again returned to the island.