Kathryn's Justice

by Marianne Spitzer

  Kathryn couldn’t help but laugh at his lost puppy dog look. She saw it each time a sad memory crossed his mind, or he was at a loss for words.

  She reached for his hand. “It’s okay. My mom insisted on meeting my prom date’s parents, too. I was embarrassed. He was, too. We all survived.”

  He looked up at her, and they both laughed.

  “Okay, I’ll call mom later.”

  Kathryn swallowed, “Okay.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kathryn was looking forward to an enjoyable week with Nick and a quiet week at work. At least quiet in the sense that there would be no bodies because of her. She knew work would be peaceful with Joey Coyle on suspension. Her stomach churned at the idea that she would be meeting Nick’s parents on Friday night. So much for a quiet week. It might be peaceful, but the stress was already building. Nick had a free week from classes which meant they could spend more time together.

  She received her wish for a mostly peaceful work week. Detective Wayne did not visit, and that helped Kathryn relax. They had several patients pass through the morgue, but nothing out of the ordinary. A couple of heart attacks, a stroke, brain aneurysm, and a suicide. It was a sad week for Kathryn because of the suicide. A depressed young woman a few years older than her overdosed on sleeping pills. Kathryn was there when the distraught parents identified their daughter. The mother was near hysteria, but her husband was stoic. He held a firm arm around his wife’s shoulders and helped her back to the elevator after he identified his daughter.

  Kathryn walked into Doc’s office and asked, “Do you have anything else for me to do before I leave?”

  He shook his head. “Have a great weekend.”

  “I’ll try,” she responded. “Pray for me, I’m meeting Nick’s parents tonight.”

  Doc smiled. “A first meeting shouldn’t be too bad if Nick picked a nice, busy restaurant.”

  Kathryn slumped against the doorframe. “His mother insisted on cooking him a home cooked meal. She’s worried that work, school, and now having some girl in his life is keeping him from eating properly. She probably thinks I feed him fruity candy bears and cola for dinner.”

  Doc laughed, “I think Nick would like that.”

  “I’m sure he would.” She smiled back. “Nick did warn me that she’s a bit overprotective.”

  Doc frowned. “Just be you and they’ll love you the way everyone else does. Have fun. Don’t take it too seriously. Remember while it’s nice to have his mother like you, the important thing is that Nick likes you. Usually, the moms come around.”

  “‘Usually’ being the operative word in that sentence I take it.”

  “Go Kathryn, have fun.” He shooed her with his hands.

  “Will do,” she said as she headed for the locker room.

  ~ * ~

  Kathryn stood in front of her closet staring at her dresses. Most were suitable for church; they should be nice enough to wear to meet Nick’s parents. She decided on the shoes first. Sensible two inch black heels that would go with any dress and she wouldn’t fall. Hopefully. In a slight panic, she texted her best friend, Karla, for advice.

  A few moments later Karla texted back:

  “Emerald green. Makes your light brown coppery eyes sparkle. Nice sculptured neckline. Not sexy. Not too short. ¾ sleeves. Good luck.”

  Kathryn texted:

  “Thanks. Details later.”

  Kathryn reached into her closet and pulled out the emerald green dress. Karla was right. It was the perfect dress. Kathryn could add a simple beaded belt to accentuate her small waist without looking overly dressed. She seldom wore jewelry, but she slipped her mom’s gold earrings into her pierced ears.

  Maybe with your earrings you’ll be with me, Mom. I wish you were here for advice. Pam just giggled and told me not to drop food on my dress. I miss you so much at times like this. More than I usually miss you.

  Kathryn slipped her feet into her shoes and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She smiled. “I think I look okay,” she murmured. “I hope the Donnellys think I do, too.”

  The doorbell rang and rang. Kathryn hurried to let Nick in before he wore it out.

  “He seems excited,” she mumbled before she opened the door.

  Nick stood on her front porch smiling from ear to ear.

  “You look beautiful. My parents are going to love you as much as I do.” He bent over and kissed her lightly on her cheek.

  “I hope you’re right. Have you mentioned love to them or just that I’m a girlfriend?” Kathryn bit her lip but stopped before she mussed her lipstick.

  “Just girlfriend for now. I don’t want mom to have a heart attack.” He smiled again.

  His words sent Kathryn into a near panic. “I think I’m going to be sick. I’ll stay home.” She turned and walked into the living room.

  He ran up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I was kidding. She’ll love you, too. I promise not to use the word love all through dinner.” He turned her around, and his look nearly broke her heart.

  “Okay, I’ll do this. I can see how much it means to you.” She lay her head on his chest and sighed.

  He wrapped his arm around her and murmured, “I want to kiss you right now more than I can tell you, but I know if I screw up your makeup, we’ll be late for dinner. Ready?”

  “Sure,” her lips answered, but her head and heart were screaming for her to stay home.

  Too late to change her mind, she allowed him to help her on with her coat and walk her to his car.

  ~ * ~

  Nick held Kathryn’s hand as they walked from his car to the back door of his parent’s huge two-story French Colonial.

  “Wow,” Kathryn said. “It certainly is a beautiful, big house for two parents and you.”

  Nick stopped and looked at her. “Mom’s an only child and her gram left everything to her. No one knew great-gram and gramps started buying bonds after WWII. Between the bonds, some stock, and Gram’s house, Mom was able to build her dream home. She’s very proud of the house.”

  “I can imagine. It’s amazing,” Kathryn said as Nick opened the back door.

  “Mom, Dad, we’re here.” He ushered Kathryn into the back hall that led to the kitchen.

  He was taking her coat when an older, slightly heavier version of Nick walked into the kitchen.

  He held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Nicklynd, Nick’s dad. Welcome to our home Kathryn.”

  “She shook his hand and smiled. “Nick, are you named after your dad? You didn’t tell me.”

  “No,” Nicklynd explained. “Not really. I was named after my great-grandmother’s maiden name, and we wanted to keep the name in the family but changed it slightly. We named him Nicholas.”

  “Nicholas, I like that,” Kathryn answered.

  “Pfft,” a woman’s voice interrupted. “You’d think she’d know his name.”

  Nicklynd continued to smile and said, “Kathryn, this is my wife, Brenda.”

  Kathryn held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Brenda.”

  “Yes,” said Brenda giving Kathryn a limp handshake “You may call me Mrs. Donnelly.”

  “Of course,” Kathryn answered. “I’m sorry. You have a lovely home.” She did her best to smile.

  I knew this was a mistake. The woman hates me. I’m getting a sick headache right after dinner or maybe before dinner.

  “We like it. Nicklynd, make our guest comfortable. I need to finish dinner,” Brenda said.

  “Can I help?” Kathryn offered.

  Brenda shot her a look that Kathryn was sure was toxic and smiled, “No dear. I have everything under control.”

  Kathryn followed Nicklynd and Nick into the living room.

  She sat next to Nick on the sofa.

  “Can I get you a glass of wine or a before dinner cocktail, Kathryn?” Nicklynd asked.

  “No, sir, thank you.” She interlaced her fingers and placed them in her lap.

  “Kathryn isn’t much of a drinker,”
Nick offered.

  Nicklynd nodded and said, “I’ll just go see if your mother needs any help.”

  When he disappeared into the dining room, Kathryn said, “Your mother hates me. I should go home.”

  Nick laughed. “My mom is sweet. You two will warm up to each other soon, and you’ll love her. By the end of dinner, you’ll be friends.”

  “Mothers can be vicious when protecting their young,” Kathryn countered.

  “Vicious?” Nick laughed. “You watch too many science programs.”

  Nicklynd appeared in the doorway to the dining room and announced dinner was ready.

  Kathryn stood and felt her knees shake. There was something about Brenda that made her uncomfortable.

  Probably just her motherly protective instincts. Relax. A woman who gave birth to a man as sweet as Nick can’t be all bad. I hope.

  Kathryn entered the dining room and saw a table large enough to seat twelve with four plate settings. One was at the head of the table and a second at the opposite end. A third was set just to the left of the head of the table and the fourth in a similar position at the opposite end of the table.

  Nicklynd held out the chair next to the head of the table and said, “Kathryn, please take a seat next to me.” She watched as Brenda settled at the opposite end next to Nick.

  At least she could see Nick’s face and he didn’t look pleased.

  It is worse than I imagined. I’m definitely going home sick right after dinner.

  What appeared to be an Italian spiced tomato soup was already in bowls in front of them. Large plates of rolls and butter sat on both ends of the table. Alongside the rolls were bowls of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots at each end of the table. The main course was a large beef roast with small potatoes. It was the only platter that appeared to be for sharing with both ends of the table.

  Crap, I wonder if I should have dressed better. I’m surprised Brenda isn’t wearing a tiara. When Nick met Pam, we went to the zoo.

  After Brenda had removed the soup bowls, Nicklynd carved the roast and offered Kathryn a plate of beef and potatoes. She was able to serve herself the vegetables.

  Once all four were served, Nicklynd sat and spoke. “Kathryn, Nick tells us you also work at the hospital. It must be interesting work. Which department has the pleasure of your company each day?”

  Kathryn shot Nick a quick look. He hadn’t told them.

  Kathryn cleared her throat and said, “I’m a morgue assistant. I work side-by-side with the coroner.”

  “Morgue,” Brenda stammered. “Oh my Lord.”

  Nick said proudly, “She’s excellent at her job. When the coroner has to leave, Kathryn is in complete charge on her own. Everyone at the hospital loves her.” He smiled at Kathryn.

  Nicklynd said, “It must be intriguing work.”

  “Yes, sir, it is,” Kathryn spoke barely above a whisper.

  Brenda spoke up, “Is this a proper conversation at the dinner table?”

  Nick looked stunned.

  Nicklynd ignored Brenda. “How does one decide to become a morgue assistant?”

  “I was in nursing school and dropped out my senior year,” Kathryn said as she placed a small piece of broccoli in her mouth.

  Brenda said, “My Nick is in nursing school and doing very well. He’s going to be an excellent nurse and won’t be flunking out.”

  Kathryn’s eyes flashed with anger. “I didn’t say I flunked out, I quit. I was on the honor roll. I had made the Dean’s list.”

  “Well, I never. Dear, if you quit you certainly weren’t doing well in school. You ended up working in a morgue instead of doing something important like my Nick will do. It's a shame you couldn’t handle the pressure or whatever it was that made you run from school. It takes someone special to be a nurse. Anyone can haul dead bodies around. You don’t actually touch them do you?”

  Kathryn’s fork fell from her hand and made a loud clattering sound against the china plate. She looked at the fork and tried to count to ten. She had made it to four before she glanced up at Brenda.

  “Well, Brenda, let me tell you something you don’t know about me. I’m excellent at my job. Yes, I do touch bodies. I help the coroner with autopsies. I catalog and store samples. I run tests on body parts. I x-ray the dead. Sometimes I have to deal with grieving families. I could have been a nurse. I loved nursing school. Nick will also make a wonderful nurse after he’s no longer working as an orderly. He works too hard bringing bodies down to me in the morgue. Oh and, by the way, when I say I quit nursing school that is exactly what I meant. I quit intentionally to care for my mom who was dying of cancer. She’s gone now, or she could explain why I left. Nick knows all the answers. He can answer all your questions. Thank you so much for dinner. I must be going.”

  Kathryn stood, walked to the closet where Nicklynd had hung her coat and purse, grabbed them, and strode out the back door. Her tears didn’t fall until she was half-way down the driveway. She walked a half block when she realized Nick wasn’t following her. She glanced at the address of the house nearest her, pulled her phone out, and called for a taxi. She explained she would be walking south on the street.

  The nerve of that woman. She actually didn’t think my job was suitable conversation at dinner. Did she think I was going to give details? Maybe I should have told her I gave up necrophilia for a New Year’s resolution. I can imagine the look on her face. I would have paid real money to see that. Well, I paid a bigger price. Love. It’s over.

  Four blocks later, Nick pulled up next to her.

  “Hey,” he yelled out his window. “You should have waited for me. I was getting some of mom’s chocolate cream pie. It’s delicious. I got you a big piece, too. She doesn’t make it often so I had to get some.”

  She turned and stared at him her hands balled into fists. “You didn’t stick up for me. You let Brenda steam roller me like I was some person beneath her class in life. If you couldn’t stand up for me tonight, how will you do it when something major happens? You told me your mom never worked a day in her life. It’s great you had a stay-at-home mom, but she treated me like a leper. Growing up I’m sure taking care of you was as difficult as two jobs, but I work hard, too. Then I left, and you waited for the pie. Damn it, Nick. You waited for Brenda’s stupid pie. I know what’s important, and it isn’t me.”

  Nick climbed out of his car holding two plates of pie. “C'mon Kathryn. It’s my mom’s special pie. She doesn’t make it often. I told you. She also made one of her best meals.”

  “Dinner was delicious, but if you told them a little about me before dinner I might not have had to leave. She looked appalled that I work in the morgue. You could have broken that ice for me, Nick. Maybe we would or wouldn’t have had dinner, but at least I wouldn’t feel humiliated. She did her best to make me feel worthless, but I know better. I do a good job and am proud of what I do.” She took a step away from him.

  “She was just a little shocked. She’ll get over it. Mom’s just a bit vocal at times. You can’t walk home from here. C’mon I’ll give you a ride. We’ll have pie.” He smiled at her.

  “Shocked? She was mortified that her son would date a girl that touches dead bodies. Does she have any idea what you do at work?”

  Nick shrugged.

  “Go home and eat pie with your folks, Nick. I’m sure your mom needs you to tell her the big, bad girl has gone away. I won’t hold you to your promise of always. It’s strange how different people perceive what always means.”

  “Kathryn, you can’t walk home from here, and you can’t walk away from me,” Nick said.

  “I’m not, here comes my taxi. Remember I once told you everyone leaves me. I’m just doing it first to keep my heart from being completely crushed. Goodbye, Nick.”

  He stood holding the two plates as she climbed into the taxi. She glanced over her shoulder to see him just watching her drive away.

  ~ * ~

  Kathryn returned home half hoping Nick would call or text. She k
new he wouldn’t, and she was afraid she would give in and talk to him if he did. She knew things would never work out between them with his mother’s apparent distaste for everything she did. In Brenda’s eyes, Kathryn was a college drop out with a disgusting job. It was better to find out now. She knew Nick had a big heart and didn’t want to hurt his mom, but he sat there and listened to Brenda put her down. He could have run after her and gone back for his pie later.

  We all make choices in life. I just don’t understand why I’m at the bottom of everyone’s list. Well, not Pam and the kids. They love me, and so does Rob. Doc thinks I’m great at my job and a wonderful person. I have friends. It seems I scare men off. Oh well, better it’s over now than in a year.

  She picked up her phone and called Karla. She understood what Kathryn was feeling. Karla said she met Brenda at a hospital fundraiser the year before, and she was a tornado on wheels that evening, too. Disconnecting from the call with Karla, Kathryn felt a bit better.

  She showered, made a cup of tea, and carried it to her bedroom. She settled in bed with her book and broke into tears. Crying her tears out, she drank her tea and turned off the light. Kathryn managed to sleep through the entire night. Waking well past her usual morning schedule she realized it was Saturday. She stretched and decided she would spend some time at the library. She planned to wait until Monday expecting Nick to be with her all weekend. Kathryn would start her investigation of Christopher. He was her next execution.

  ~ * ~

  When Kathryn arrived home from the library, there was a message from Pam inviting her to lunch the following day. She smiled knowing Pam’s house was the one place she felt loved. Nick hadn’t texted or called.

  Kathryn murmured, “He’s probably in a chocolate cream pie stupor. I’m sure Brenda baked him a dozen when he told her we’re over. She most likely started the moment I left, and he didn’t follow immediately.” She kicked her shoe across the room.

  “Get a grip, Kathryn,” she said aloud to the empty room. “It hurts much less than it would in a few months and you know Brenda would have broken you up in that amount of time. In a few months, you’ll feel much better.”