Hiding in Plain Sight

by Mary Ellis

‘This is the new park they built since you and I last went fishing. They put up a half-mile-long boardwalk too.’ Eric parked and opened the passenger door. ‘Let’s take a walk. Times have changed this area, but the shrimp boats still come in at dusk.’

  With some difficulty Alfonzo climbed out and breathed deeply. ‘Smell that sea air. That hasn’t changed.’ As though revitalized by the salt-tinged breeze, he lengthened his stride toward the boardwalk.

  Eric kept pace by his side. ‘I want you to explain why you have a registered handgun, and how someone else could get their hands on it.’

  Alfonzo didn’t answer right away. He seemed to choose his words carefully. ‘I bought the gun when you were taking college classes and seldom around. Bernadette had her hands full with little Danielle. I often stayed late at the restaurant doing the books. Your mother was afraid someone might break in while I was alone.’

  ‘I can’t imagine you ever shooting anyone or Mom encouraging resistance during a robbery. That usually ends badly for the inexperienced.’ Eric tried to sound philosophical on a very emotional topic.

  ‘Thank goodness, I never was tested. You took over the books and I was allowed to create new dishes and greet my beloved patrons. And frankly, I forgot all about the gun in the office.’

  Eric shook his head. ‘Are you kidding? You forgot about a loaded gun in your drawer with little Danielle virtually growing up in the restaurant?’

  ‘It wasn’t loaded. The gun was hidden under some papers and the clip deeper in the drawer. I made sure nothing was chambered.’

  Eric rolled his eyes. ‘Since we don’t keep the office locked, anyone could have wandered in and rifled through the desk.’

  ‘But in all these years, no one ever had. Not until now.’

  ‘Someone knew the gun was there. I need a list of everyone who knew about that gun. I’ve hired our tenant to investigate Sal’s murder.’

  ‘That’s a waste of money.’ Alfonzo focused on the setting sun. ‘Shouldn’t we head back? You said your mother was cooking for me tonight.’

  ‘It’s my money to waste. And I’m not taking you home, Dad, until you tell me what started this feud with the Borelli family.’ Eric plunked down on a wooden bench.

  Alfonzo sighed. ‘Salvatore is gone now, so why rehash past history?’

  ‘Because you’re charged with his murder, and I don’t want you spending the rest of your life in Kirkland Correctional, maximum security. And don’t tell me it’s just business. There are plenty of Italian restaurants in Charleston. Yet only Tuscan Gardens holds such contempt for you.’

  Alfonzo looked at him in a way he never had before. It was an expression of anger and regret and … resignation. ‘It was your mother who didn’t want you kids to know. She saw no point in it.’

  Eric crossed his arms over his jacket. ‘I’ve got all the time in the world, since we’re not going anywhere.’

  Slowly Alfonzo lowered himself to the bench and launched into a tale of young love between family friends. ‘You knew your Nonni and Nonno were best friends with the elder Borellis. It was only natural that sparks would fly when their children were no longer children. But those sparks were between your mother and Salvatore Borelli.’

  Eric was rendered speechless for a moment. ‘Mom fell in love with Sal? Oh, good grief! What happened?’

  He shrugged. ‘We usually went places in a big group – the movies, the pizza shop, the beach. I fell in love with your mother too, and I made up my mind I would have her for my wife.’

  Eric felt a twinge in his gut that had nothing to do with hunger. ‘Is this some kind of script for bad daytime TV?’

  His father’s chin snapped up. ‘Show some respect, Enrique! This is no script. You wanted to know the story and this is it!’

  ‘I apologize. Please continue.’

  Another shrug and then, ‘The summer Sal and Irena got engaged, I knew my time was running out. People like us marry for keeps, not like young people these days. So I plotted a strategy to make my feelings known to Irena. Salvatore was already working in his father’s restaurant. Plus, he’d shown his temper one time too many to his fiancée. You know how … delicate your mother is. Believe me; it didn’t take much to woo her away from him.’

  Woo? Did he really use the term woo? ‘How soon before the wedding did Mom finally come clean with her feelings?’ asked Eric.

  ‘Two weeks.’

  Eric gasped. ‘Two weeks? Everything is set in motion by that time.’

  Alfonzo dropped his face in his hands. ‘Bridesmaid dresses bought, tuxedos rented, the hall booked, the catering lined up. All announcements and invitations had gone out. Even a few relatives in Toscana had booked airline flights. Then Irena announced to Salvatore and his family that the wedding was off because she was in love with someone else.’

  ‘I guess that caused quite an uproar.’

  Alfonzo pivoted on the bench. ‘It did. Salvatore was all ego, all about appearances. I think he was most angry about losing a personal possession while not paying attention. He never once thought Irena should have a say in this.’

  ‘Mom did accept Sal’s proposal. She shouldn’t have done that if she wasn’t in love with him.’

  ‘Our parents were old country. Her mama had been pressuring Irena to make a good match. My father’s restaurant wasn’t as well established as Tuscan Gardens.’

  ‘You make it sound like a business arrangement,’ Eric said with disgust.

  ‘Marriage is a partnership, so it is a business arrangement. But I fell in love with your mother, and she with me. End of sad story. Take me home, son. I’m hungry for some of Irena’s cooking.’

  Eric helped him to his feet and together they started back to the car. ‘It’s not really the end of the story, is it? Salvatore is dead, and you’re the prime suspect. What you told me only underscores a long-standing feud. The police will eventually find out and use it against you.’

  Alfonzo spoke as though he hadn’t a care in the world. ‘How is this ammunition for the prosecution? Like I said … I won Irena but Salvatore is the one who’s dead. He had reason to shoot me. But me … I am content with my life.’

  Eric couldn’t argue with that, even though he knew the prosecutor might see things differently. ‘All right, let’s go home. I hope Mom made enough for three, because I’m barging in on your romantic reunion.’

  His father linked his arm through Eric’s elbow. ‘That’s fine because when you’re done eating, I’m sending you on your way.’

  Jill punched her pillow and turned on her left side for the third time. After her conversation with Ralph Norris, she couldn’t get comfortable in the Manfredi suite, no matter how hard she tried. Padding to the dormer, she opened the window and stuck out her head. But thick foliage prevented her from seeing what she wanted. Grabbing her bathrobe from the hook, Jill crept downstairs as quietly as possible.

  Outside a breeze stirred the dead leaves into whorls and eddies. Yet no moon illuminated the employee parking area to the right of the courtyard.

  ‘You waiting for my grandson to come home?’ A voice emanated from the shadows.

  ‘Maybe.’ Jill’s response couldn’t have been more inane. She picked her way through the haphazard arrangement of tables and chairs. ‘Good evening, Nonni. Are you waiting for your grandson?’

  ‘I am. I want to hear news about my thick-headed son, and I refuse to give Alfonzo the satisfaction of calling him.’

  ‘I understand,’ Jill said, even though she didn’t. ‘I want to know how things went too. Plus, I have an update for Eric.’

  ‘Then join me and we’ll wait together.’ Nonni patted the seat beside her. ‘I won’t be able to sleep until he’s home.’

  Jill considered the offer. After all, the breeze felt good on her overheated skin. ‘No, thanks. I don’t want Eric to know I’m sitting around, waiting.’

  Nonni grinned. ‘Ah, yes, never let a man know your heart.’

  She shook her head. ‘My heart? You’ve got the w
rong idea. Eric hired me to investigate the murder of Mr Borelli. That’s what I want to discuss.’

  ‘Sure. Everybody talks business at one o’clock in the morning.’ Her laugh sounded like a cackle.

  ‘Good night, Nonni.’ For some inexplicable reason, Jill brushed a kiss across the woman’s silvery head.

  ‘Good night, il mio piccolo.’

  When Jill crawled beneath the handmade quilt, she fell asleep within minutes. Was it knowing that someone else was watching for Eric? Or maybe it was the realization she had her first ally since leaving Savannah.

  The next morning Jill awoke with a start, glanced at the clock, and jumped into the shower. Today she had to be ready for anything. She was on her second cup of coffee when the phone rang.

  ‘Hello?’ Jill’s heart was beating so fast, you’d think she was the one who needed a transplant.

  ‘Miss Wyatt, Emma Norris here. I’ve decided to have my blood tested to see if I’m suitable.’

  Short, sweet, and to the point. Yet Jill still had questions. ‘Have you discussed this with Mr Norris?’

  ‘Of course I have. He told me last night he came to see you, but he said the final decision was mine.’

  ‘And this won’t cause marital problems for you?’

  ‘Our marriage has withstood financial ruin, infertility in the early years, several seasons of drought, and off-and-on infestations of carpenter bees. If it’s God’s will, our marriage will survive one little blood test.’

  Jill shook off her trepidation. ‘When can you be ready? Are you willing to come to Charleston for the test? That would make things easier.’

  ‘I am. Ralph and I can be ready within the hour. May we bring our children along?’

  ‘Certainly. Mr Sugarman insists on putting your family up in a hotel during the procedure and recovery period if the results are what we’re hoping for. I’ll be there as soon as I can to pick you up.’

  ‘That’s very generous of him. I can ride with you, but Ralph will follow in his truck with the children. He’ll need to drive back and forth to tend the livestock if we go ahead with the … procedure.’

  Very generous of him? You’re the one giving up half a liver. ‘Thank you, Emma, on behalf of Charlotte and from the bottom of my heart.’

  ‘You’re welcome, Jill. We’ll be ready when you arrive.’

  She grabbed her purse and called David Sugarman on her way downstairs. When she told him the news, he became very quiet. Then Jill realized the man was crying. ‘I’m on my way to pick Emma up,’ she said. ‘I’ll call you along the way so you can estimate our arrival.’

  Sugarman coughed and cleared his throat. ‘Everything will be ready on this end. I’ll meet you at entrance C.’

  Jill pulled up in front of the Norris house in record time. As promised, Emma was in a rocking chair on the porch, looking as serene as can be. A cloth satchel was at her feet along with her purse. Her two older children were playing with a kite in the yard, but their father was nowhere in sight. ‘I hope you haven’t been waiting long,’ she said.

  ‘On a day as beautiful as this? I could sit here all day.’ Emma pushed to her feet. ‘Let me get little Andrew. Ralph just finished feeding the animals. He will be down after his shower. Would you prefer to wait inside?’

  ‘No, I’d rather stay here and watch your children play,’ Jill said. But in reality she wasn’t ready to face Ralph Norris.

  Fifteen minutes later, Emma walked outside with a baby carrier and sleeping infant. Ralph nodded to Jill, picked up Emma’s satchel, and headed down the steps.

  ‘Don’t drive too fast, Miss Wyatt,’ he said. ‘I don’t need no speedin’ tickets trying to keep up.’ His son and daughter left the kite in the grass and followed him mutely to his truck.

  As Jill maintained the speed limit on the way to Charleston, she attempted to engage Emma in conversation. Yet all her questions garnered zero reaction.

  Do you have any concerns about the surgery?

  Are you interested in the arrangements Mr Sugarman has made, in light of the fact your three children are with you?

  Are you worried about your farm animals during your absence?

  Finally Emma met Jill’s gaze and set the matters to rest. ‘I’m not worried about anything. My future, along with that of Charlotte, my family, and even the cows and chickens are in capable hands. Instead of talking, could we listen to the radio? I love country music and the radio in Ralph’s truck is broken.’ And so the two women listened to music and hummed along to several songs.

  Jill called David Sugarman midway as promised. Although Emma’s spirits remained high, the closer they got to the South Carolina University Medical Center, the more nervous Jill became. Ralph’s words circled through her head on a continuous loop. What will you do if Charlotte is fine, but Emma develops a hard-to-cure infection?

  When her green Toyota and Ralph’s battered pickup pulled into parking lot C, Jill was no closer to an answer. But at least she knew who to talk to.

  David Sugarman met them inside the door. He stared at Emma Norris, blinked, and stared some more. ‘Forgive me,’ he said. ‘I’m Charlotte’s husband. I don’t know why I’m surprised by the strong resemblance, but I am.’

  ‘You think I look like your wife?’ Emma asked softly.

  ‘Very much so.’ He extended his hand toward Ralph. ‘You must be Emma’s husband.’

  ‘Ralph Norris.’ He offered the barest of handshakes. ‘Let’s get this blood test over with before we waste more time. It could prove these two ain’t kin at all.’

  Not hardly, Jill thought, considering the resemblance.

  A young woman met them halfway down the hall. ‘Hello, Emma. I’m Brenda, one of Dr Costa’s medical assistants. I’ll be with you during the blood test and explain the pre-op procedures in case you’re a match. Your husband and children can wait in the family area.’ She pointed in the correct direction.

  Without hesitation, Emma passed the baby carrier to Ralph. ‘Jill, will you be staying with me?’ she asked.

  ‘I need to speak with Charlotte but I’ll see you later.’

  ‘I’d like to speak to my sister too while I’m here. Could you take me to her after we’re done?’ Emma asked Brenda.

  ‘I would be happy to.’

  ‘See you after the blood test, wife.’ Ralph took his daughter’s hand and nudged his son with the baby carrier. Then he walked away as though about to face an executioner, his head down, his shoulders slumped.

  When Emma and Brenda disappeared into the lab, Jill and David crossed the parking lot to building B. ‘Where are your children, Mr Sugarman?’ Jill asked once they reached Charlotte’s floor.

  ‘Staying with my sister for a few days. I thought it would be best.’

  ‘Would you mind if I spoke with Charlotte alone for a few minutes?’

  Sugarman looked as though he might object but changed his mind. ‘I’ll get us cups of coffee.’

  Jill scrubbed up, donned protective clothes, and slipped into Charlotte’s room. ‘Charlotte, you and I need to discuss something important.’

  By the time David returned with beverages, they had chosen the perfect course of action. Charlotte released Jill from any guilt or culpability with the same poise and assuredness Emma had demonstrated. For the next two hours Charlotte slept, David read, and Jill pondered how two women, separated at birth, could grow up to be emotional carbon copies of each other.

  Finally Brenda stepped into Charlotte’s room wearing a mask, gloves, and lab coat over her clothes. ‘Are you ready to meet your sister?’ she asked, sounding like the host on a reality show.

  Charlotte’s eyes sprang open as she struggled to sit up. Emma Norris, dressed exactly like Brenda, entered the dimly lit room.

  Charlotte covered her mouth with her hand and laughed. ‘For goodness sake, I’ve waited all these years! Take off that silly mask and let me see you!’

  Emma pulled off the mask and ran to her bedside. ‘Nice to meet you, sister.’
/>   ‘Look how beautiful you are.’ Charlotte reached for her hand.

  Emma peeled off a glove. ‘Is that because I look like you?’ While the two siblings giggled, Jill, David, and Brenda dabbed their eyes.

  ‘Those are my two children, Joan and Robert.’ Charlotte pointed at the framed photograph on her bedside table.

  Emma leaned over but didn’t touch the picture. ‘They look like good kids. My three are with their dad in the family waiting room. Brenda said I can’t bring them to see you until long after the surgery.’

  ‘I look forward to meeting them,’ said Charlotte in a thready voice.

  Brenda approached the bed. ‘We shouldn’t tire you. We’ll visit more after they issue the test results.’ She began herding everyone to the door.

  ‘No, I must speak to Emma now,’ Charlotte demanded with all her strength. Brenda, Jill, and David froze in place.

  ‘I’m right here.’ Emma pulled the chair to the bedside.

  Charlotte rose up on her elbows. ‘If the test shows that we match, you must agree to my terms or I won’t let you donate half your liver.’

  Emma looked confused. ‘What terms are those?’

  ‘You must agree to accept blood transfusions, all necessary medication, and anything else the doctor deems essential for survival. Your religious beliefs have been explained to me and I respect them. But if you’re not willing to help yourself while helping me, I will refuse the transplant. End of discussion.’ Charlotte lowered herself to the mattress.

  Emma looked at Jill. ‘Did you have something to do with this?’

  ‘That doesn’t matter,’ said Charlotte. ‘These are my terms, sister. Take it or leave it.’

  ‘All right, I accept your terms. If it’s my time to die, neither blood transfusions nor all the medicine in the world will change the outcome.’

  FOURTEEN

  Glancing at his watch for the third time, Eric jumped at a noise behind him. But it wasn’t Jill as he’d hoped; it was his grandmother.

  ‘Be patient, Enrique. The girl has a job to do, but she’ll be home by and by.’ Nonni plunked a bottle of wine and two glasses down on the table.