by K. A. Davis
Diane and Caroline rushed to Claire’s room while Jill called Spence to tell him the good news.
By early afternoon Spence and the girls returned, and Claire’s brother, Will, had arrived.
Everyone hurried to Claire’s room where Spence and the girls entered. While they watched from outside the glass, Claire opened her eyes and looked at her family. She was only awake long enough to blink a few times and then fell back to sleep.
Carrie and another nurse went about checking the monitors and Claire’s vitals until the doctor arrived.
Back in the waiting room everyone was nervous with anticipation. The doctor finally left Claire’s room. “This is good. We’re going to attempt to wean her off the respirator to see if she can breathe on her own. If that’s successful, then we’ll try her on some liquids and see how she does.”
Diane, Caroline, and Jill spent the afternoon bringing Will up-to-date on the past two weeks. He shook his head. “I didn’t know about Betsy either. It doesn’t surprise me that Claire was so determined to find out what happened to her. You know how stubborn she can be.” Then turning to Caroline he said, “Caroline, I’m really sorry about all of this and your situation. You can’t blame yourself. If Claire had known what was coming, she wouldn’t have changed a thing. She would have willingly taken your place on that bike, so there’s no need for you to feel guilty about what happened.”
Caroline took his hands in hers. “Thank you, Will, but I’ll never forgive myself for exposing Claire to this. I should have stayed home and faced Bill and our problems. I was too anxious to get away from it all.”
“Caroline you really need to let it go. You had no way of knowing Bill would do anything this drastic. I’m sure Claire wouldn’t blame you,” Diane interrupted.
Jill cut in. “Will, what do you remember about the vacations you spent at The Point? Did you ever run into Wendell?”
Will went back in his memory as far as he could and told them what he remembered. “We loved The Point. The Carters owned that big house you rented and our family rented a cottage a little farther up the beach. Claire and I were really disappointed when we stopped going there. When I think back, the summer Betsy disappeared must have been our last. There was never an explanation and, as kids, we didn’t question it.”
“Do you think your parents knew about it, and that’s why they never took you back?” Diane asked.
Will shrugged his shoulders. “That’s certainly plausible. They never said. They’re gone now, so we can’t ask them.”
“What about Wendell?” Jill asked.
“I remember a shy kid we would run into on the beach occasionally. We asked him if he wanted to play a few times, but he never did. There were lots of families around, so one more kid wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.”
Caroline spoke up. “Did you ever go to the beach near the lighthouse where Claire discovered the cave?”
“We rode our bikes out there fairly often, but I don’t remember that particular beach and certainly not a cave. We were always exploring new places and new beaches. We were totally unaware of any danger.”
As the day wore on they continued taking turns visiting Claire. She was able to stay awake a little longer with each visit, but was still exhausted and the pain medication kept her in a semi-sedated state.
To everyone’s surprise, Ed and Deputy Kevin O’Reilly stepped off the elevator and walked down the hall toward them.
“Ed, what’s he doing here,” Diane asked, pointing at Kevin.
Ed held up his hand in a calming gesture and replied, “We need to explain some things. Let’s go into the conference room.”
With everyone seated Ed explained, “Kevin is not a deputy sheriff. He’s an FBI agent who was on assignment in Haworth.”
Glancing around the table he waited for a response, but none came. “Isn’t anyone going to say anything?” he asked.
“Nothing is going to surprise us at this point, Ed. Go on,” Diane responded.
“He was investigating Peterson for suspicion of extorting funds from the local business people.” Looking at Diane he continued. “When you called about the boat, we realized there was something bigger.”
Deputy O’Reilly spoke up. “I knew from things that Peterson said in the office that you ladies had found something. He was never specific, but he increased the pressure on the business owners and Wendell was on the phone or in the office more than usual.”
“Had you suspected Wendell of anything?” Jill asked.
“No. I thought Wendell was one of the people Peterson was threatening and that he couldn’t make his payments.”
“When did you realize we were onto something?” Diane continued.
“When you met us for the first time, at the bakery, Peterson’s attitude was all wrong for your complaint. Instead of being concerned, he tried to make me think you ladies were overreacting. He refused to let me look into it. That was the first clue. I tried to keep an eye on you during my shift. I’m pretty sure it was Wendell who was on your porch that morning, but Peterson refused to investigate. I could tell then that he was protecting Wendell for some reason.”
“Did you follow us to the Marina Restaurant one night?” Jill inquired.
“Yes.”
“And, the night on the road when we didn’t have the headlights on?” Caroline asked.
O’Reilly smiled. “That was actually an accident. I just happened to be driving the shore road when I caught you.”
Diane was more inquisitive. “Did you know Wendell was moving things out of his house that night?”
“I suspected something was going on because I heard Peterson talking on the phone to him when I came on duty. He made reference to ‘tonight’ so I figured I’d hang around out there. I thought Peterson was going to Wendell’s to pick up his payment.”
“You just missed them. It wasn’t about extortion money. It was about getting rid of the trafficking evidence in Wendell’s basement,” Diane said.
“Yes, we know that now. They moved everything into the basement at the newspaper. What I can’t understand is why they didn’t destroy everything.”
“So, why are you here?” Diane asked, still apprehensive.
Sincerity emanated from Kevin’s dark brown eyes. “I wanted to see how Mrs. McPherson is, and I want you all to know I’m one of the good guys.”
Diane glanced at Jill and Caroline. “What do you think?”
“I always liked him,” Jill said, with a smile and a chuckle. “He’s too clean looking to be bad.”
Caroline leaned back in her chair and grinned. “I’m just happy not to have a traffic violation for driving without headlights at night.”
Ed looked at the three of them and held up his hands in surrender. “I don’t even want to know what that means.”
“Do you think I could see Mrs. McPherson?” Kevin asked.
Diane rose from her chair. “I need to ask the doctor and Spence. I’ll be right back.”
***
With the others watching, Kevin entered Claire’s room. Spence stood up and shook his hand. They had a few words and then Spence gently woke Claire. When she saw Kevin, Claire was frightened and tried to move away. Spence quickly took her hand and leaned down to reassure her she was safe.
Spence stepped away from the bed and Kevin sat down in the chair he had vacated. Kevin took Claire’s hand and spoke to her softly. He explained who he was and assured her that the FBI was diligently working on the case.
“You’re a remarkable woman. Thanks to you, we have enough evidence to put these creeps away for good, and we’re working with Interpol to unravel the operation internationally.”
Claire tried to speak but was only capable of a raspy whisper. “Are any of the girls alive?”
Kevin nodded his head and smiled. “I just received word that we have been able to rescue thirty-one girls. They’ll be back with their families in a few days. Our agents overseas are working as fast as they can, we hope to find more.
”
Claire breathed a deep sigh and closed her eyes. For the first time since regaining consciousness a look of peace crossed her face and she fell asleep.
Kevin gently caressed her hand and left the room. Saying goodbye to Diane, Caroline, and Jill he winked and said, “Try to stay out of trouble will you? And, no more snorkeling in dangerous caves!”
The women exchanged glances and feigned innocence.
Kevin laughed. “It’s no good. Aaron’s a friend of mine. He called me shortly after you rented the gear. I was keeping an eye on you that day too.”
“Well, I’ll be darned,” Jill exclaimed.
“Did you know about the cave?” Diane inquired.
“Nope. I figured you were up to something, but we didn’t find the cave until Ed brought us in on the case.”
Caroline walked over to Kevin and gave him a hug. “Thank you, but I sure wish we had known sooner so that my nerves wouldn’t have been so frayed with all of Claire’s antics. You would make any mother proud.”
Ed placed his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “Time to go, Kevin. We have work to do.”
Watching the two men walk toward the elevator, Jill couldn’t help noticing Amy and Beth giving Kevin the once over. “Go for it girls,” she said. “He’s a good catch!”
Chapter Sixteen
Three Months Later
Claire had never been to The Cape in the winter, let alone on New Year’s Eve. As Spence drove toward The Point she found herself becoming tense. There had been snow earlier and, in the dark, it was hard to see if the road was slick. Halfway between Haworth and Windward Cottage she strained against her seatbelt and pointed out the windshield. She didn’t have to say anything; Spence knew she was showing him where she had been hit. She started to tremble and had trouble catching her breath.
“It’s okay, Claire. The road is fine. There’s no need to worry,” Spence said. “We’re almost there.”
As they broke the crest of the hill, Claire could see the glow of Windward Cottage. There she was, the grand old lady, in all her glory, windows ablaze with lights while the wind whipped snow around her like a gossamer veil. Claire inhaled deeply to absorb as much of the scene as she could. Spence continued slowly, turned into the driveway, and shut off the engine. Claire reached over and touched his arm.
“Can we sit for just a moment?” Her eyes followed the lines of the house that she loved so much, from the widow’s walk down to the porch where she spent that first afternoon watching the seagulls. It had never looked more beautiful. The snow, frozen to the shingles and gingerbread trim outlined every detail with sparkling crystals that reflected the moonlight. This was a special place, a thin place, she was sure.
“You okay?” Spence asked.
“Yes. This house just takes my breath away and, especially tonight, with the snow. Isn’t it something?”
“Sure is. We better go in. Everyone’s waiting.”
Spence walked to Claire’s side of the car and opened the door. Handing him her cane, she slowly maneuvered herself around until she could get both feet on the ground. With Spence’s help she stood and reached for her cane.
“Now, be extra careful,” Spence said. “The ground is slippery.”
Claire slowly made her way to the porch. Before she could place her foot on the first step the door opened and Jill appeared.
“Happy New Year! Welcome! Welcome! We’re so glad you could make it. Here let me help you. Drew and Ed, get out here and help Claire,” Jill said, in one breath.
Claire laughed out loud. “You’ll never change, Jill!”
In one swift and sure movement the three men swept Claire up the steps and through the front door.
The parlor was glowing with lights, a fire, and a tall Christmas tree occupied the corner beside the fireplace. Delicious smells were coming from the kitchen and soft music enveloped the room.
Diane and Caroline waited patiently for Claire to remove her coat and get her balance.
Claire smiled at her friends. “What are you waiting for? Come give me a hug. I promise I won’t break.”
***
The dining room looked like a holiday photo shoot from Victoria magazine. The table was set with fine china and crystal that glistened from the flames of a dozen candles scattered down the center of the table. Fresh, cut greens mixed with red, holly berries and white mistletoe intertwined between the candles.
Diane directed Claire and Spence to the side of the table facing the windows and pulled out a chair for Claire. Claire laid her hand on top of Diane’s on the back of the chair and gave her a sad smile acknowledging Diane’s effort to keep Claire from having to face the wall where they had taped the pictures of the girls. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture but Claire didn’t need to see the wall to see the tortured faces…they would live in her brain forever.
Jill served an incredible meal of Caesar salad, broiled lobster, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and cold aspic salad. This time, there really was baked Alaska for dessert.
“Oh, Jill, this is incredible. You really out did yourself,” Claire complimented.
“As much as I would like to take all the credit, I can’t. Everyone helped.”
Diane pushed her chair back and picked up her wine glass. “Let’s go into the parlor and let the dishes wait.”
“Don’t worry about the dishes,” Drew announced. “That’s all taken care of.”
Jill looked at him curiously. “Are you going to do them?”
“No. I have some help coming in so that you don’t have to do them. You worked hard all day and I want you to relax and enjoy yourself.”
Jill kissed the tip of his nose.
Claire smiled and thought, Jill may have found the right man this time.
Settled in the parlor, the conversation revolved around everyone’s Christmas with their families.
“Speaking of Christmas,” Caroline said. “I have a gift for you Claire.” Walking to the Christmas tree she bent down and picked up a large, red envelope. Returning to Claire she handed it to her and said, “Something for your New Year.”
Bewildered, Claire opened the envelope and pulled out legal-size papers. Slowly, she studied the papers and looked up at Caroline. “Caroline, I don’t understand. What is this?”
“That is the deed to the abandoned, sweater factory in your town.”
Claire turned to Spence. “Did you know about this?”
Spence looked as bewildered as Claire. “No. I had no idea.”
Handing the papers back to Caroline, Claire said, “Thank you Caroline, but we can’t afford this.”
“You own it free and clear. Let’s just say it’s a little something from Bill.”
Everyone laughed and Caroline continued. “Of course you all know we were not exactly poor....” Another laugh erupted from the others.
“That’s an understatement,” Diane said.
Caroline made a motion with her hand as if brushing Diane away. “You’re a good one to talk. At any rate, Bill purchased your dream for you Claire without even knowing it. Divorce settlements are even bigger when your spouse is convicted of attempted murder. Call it retribution, justice, whatever… it’s yours.”
“We can’t accept; it’s too much.” Claire tried, again, to give the papers back to her.
Jill spoke up. “Actually Claire, it’s irrevocable because we are all depending on you.”
Diane stood and walked to the tree to retrieve another envelope. Handing it to Claire she said, “Ed drew up the papers to incorporate. Drew has a business plan ready and waiting when you decide what you want to do with the factory.” Looking at Jill, Diane chuckled. “Jill has a few ideas for you and, of course, they involve food. I will take care of advertising and marketing with Caroline’s help with the artwork. We have all chipped in seed money. And, your board of directors are all sitting in this room with you right now.”
Claire looked around the room incredulously.
“What? You don’t think we’re qu
alified?” Ed asked, pretending to be offended.
Claire just shook her head.
Jill spoke up. “Oh, come on Claire, you’ve never been speechless as long as we’ve known you.”
More laughs and Claire wiped at her cheeks. “My gifts will certainly pale in comparison to this.”
With Spence’s help Claire stood up and he handed her a gift bag. Slowly she made her way around the room. To each of her friends, she handed a small jeweler’s box and waited for them to be opened.
“Oh Claire,” Caroline exclaimed, as she slowly drew a gold chain out of the box. “A mustard seed necklace. How incredibly appropriate. I’ve always wanted one.”
In turn, Caroline, Diane, and Jill stood and hugged Claire. After they were seated, Claire walked to Drew. “I am returning your gift to me… it was my mustard seed.” She picked up his hand, opened his palm, and then closed it around a small object. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Drew looked at the tiny object in his hand and then back at Claire. “Sit down and I’ll explain.”
Claire hobbled back to sit beside Spence and looked at Jill who nodded and smiled.
Drew opened his hand to show the others what Claire had given him. It was the tiny, silver, top hat from the Monopoly game. “Jill knows, but I haven’t told the rest of you. My name is not Drew Carson.”
The faces in the room had become sullen not knowing what to expect.
“My real name is David Carter. Betsy was my sister, and this is my house.”
The silence was deafening.
Finally, Diane asked, “Why?”
“I started coming back to The Point, after college, whenever I could. I used an alias and never stayed in this house because I didn’t want any publicity. I just wanted to grieve and honor Betsy’s memory privately.”
Caroline looked at him with compassion. “That’s understandable Drew or rather David... this will be hard because we’re so used to calling you Drew.” Looking at the others she added, “How does everyone else feel about it?”
Diane answered first, “I think we have to respect Dr… er… David’s decision. He had no obligation to us. I can understand completely.”