“No dear but he’s on his way. The doctor says you need to stay overnight for observation,” Phyl said smoothing her husband’s hospital gown. “You will be happy to know that Mollie says the threesome have corroborated Jonathan’s version. It seems that there was some embezzling and blackmail involved among other things.”
“Well I can’t say that I’m surprised……………….
The sedatives were kicking in and Mr. A was drowsy.
Finn poked his head through the door. His mother shushed him, so he crept in trying not to wake his father. He whispered that he stopped by the precinct for the factual account of what happened.
Finn said that he arranged for Rosie’s family to have a chaperone as long as they were in town as well as assistance to transport the body. The fan base for Rock with Rosie were demanding a viewing, so cremation was out of the question. After a week in the fridge, I’m not sure the fans realized what they were asking for.
Finn kept his voice to a whisper explaining everything to his mother and getting her feedback as to what the doctor said about his father. Finally he turned to me, “Are you okay?”
He motioned for us to go out into the hallway. When we were outside, Finn gave me a hug.
“Yes it’s been quite an evening, but I am happy to say that it is over. Case closed. One thing though. I hated to miss the performance of REM and the B52s.”
“Yes that is a shame. It would also be a shame to waste that gorgeous dress. How about a nightcap?” Finn asked. “I’ll check with Mom. She said he would be here overnight and I will come back and stay with her.”
“We’ll be fine,” Phyl assured us. “You two rescue what’s left of this gorgeous Saturday evening. Dad is resting and I will be right here when the doctor makes his rounds.”
“Well I suppose it would be okay to have a cocktail with my boss,” I said and glanced at Phyl who was smiling and still holding Phineas’ hand.
“You know your mother makes a pretty good partner. She is beautiful, mysterious, and knows people in high places.”
“I’ve always thought so. And Dad is not as tough as he seems at first,” Finn added.
“I agree. Since he risked his life to see about me, I suppose that I’m not fired?” I said.
“Hardly. I was speaking to Dad yesterday about replacing Hilda on the features desk at The Beacon. She’s retiring next month. I told him that I know just the person,” Finn took my elbow and guided me to the front seat of his Corvette
“Do tell.”
“One stipulation though. I don’t think that after tonight you can call him Curmudgeon anymore,” Finn laughed at his cleverness.
“Really what do you suggest?”
“Mr. A will do for now.”
17
For the first time in a week, my sleep was uninterrupted by dreams, nightmares, or visions of whatever is opposite sugarplums. I stretched and looked at the clock. Time for a quick shower and off to church. This seven days has been a yearlong when I ponder all the events that have taken place.
I decided on a casual skirt and top with a lace shawl straight out of Auntie Lee’s lineup. She and Phylomena Anderson had filled a place in my heart that had been lacking since I lost my twin and my mom.
I slung my purse over my shoulder and grabbed the car keys. I grabbed the pink leather Bible that I keep on my night stand. A paper slid out of my Bible.
Dear Twinster:
If you are reading this I have gone to my reward. I shall no longer borrow your clothes, listen in on your phone calls, or eat your Double stuff Oreos when you weren’t looking. I love you more than anything but I think you already know that. Whatever what happens in your life I will ALWAYS be with you. I will never leave your side. Psalm 91 was written for us: He (the Lord) will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.
I will continue to speak to you in my journals, diaries, pictures, and your heart forever. Never forget Mom’s admonition to Kiss and Make Up. It works! Maggie
I can’t explain how I hadn’t discovered this letter before. But it doesn’t matter. The truth is that it couldn’t have come at a better time. As I opened the front door, my cell phone rang. The call ID showed Finn’s number.
“Hello. How is Mr. A today?” I wiped away the tears of joy that trickled down my cheek.
“He’s great. I settled Dad and Mom at home and was hoping I could take you to church.”
I smiled knowing Maggie would approve.
Sheila S. Hudson is the author of the Thursday Club series: Murder at Golden Palms, Murder at Sea, Murder at the Mandelay, Murder at the Monastery, Murder on the Marquee, and Murder under the Christmas Tree published by Take Me Away Books.
Sheila is also the author of Classic City Murders: Volumes I and II published by ThomasMax Publishers, Inc. Her first publications were two nonfiction books: 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life and 13 Decisions That Will Transform Your Marriage (Dancing with Bear Publishing). Sheila has contributed to Not Your Mother’s Book (2), Chocolate for Women (8), Chicken Soup, Patchwork Path (2), Love Stories (2) plus numerous periodicals. All are available at www.amazon.com or on her website www.sheilahudsonwriter.com
Her byline also appears in Purple Pros and Costumer Magazine. Bright Ideas, the parent company, was established to bring hope and inspiration through the written/spoken word. Since 1983, Sheila has been affiliated with Southeastern Writers Association including two terms as president. Contact her at: [email protected]; [email protected] or visit www.13decisions.com or www.sheilahudsonwriter.com for information on speaking engagements and forthcoming books.
Sheila and her husband, Timothy L. Hudson, have worked in campus ministry for over 30 years -- 5 years with Christian Student Fellowship at Northern Kentucky University and 28 years at Christian Campus Ministry at the University of Georgia. They have been married for 49 years and have two daughters, a son, and seven grandsons.
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