Cassandra (Fells Point Private Investigator Series)

by Denise Irwin

  “It’s all that fresh air and sunshine from yesterday’s sail. I have bagels and cream cheese in the boat’s refrigerator. I thought we could eat them in the cockpit.”

  “Where’s Sam?”

  “Can’t you hear him snoring in the forepeak?”

  “Is that the racket I’m hearing? I thought it was a foghorn. Leona does he snore often?”

  “Nah, only when he’s sleeping.”

  Cassie dressed in her pajamas she climbed the companionway ladder to sit in the cockpit. The bright sun warmed the air. She took the plate of bagels and two coffee mugs from Leona, who joined her in the cockpit, still wearing her pajamas as well.

  “You wanna know something? I could get used to sailing.”

  “It didn’t take me long. You are always welcome to sail with us.”

  “Thank you, I’m gonna take you up on that offer. Look at the ducks behind the boat; they look like they want us to do something.”

  Leona chuckled, “Oh yes they do, watch.” She tore off a piece of her bagel and threw it overboard. They watched as the ducks fought over the piece of bagel. “They’re always looking for handouts.”

  Cassie tore a piece of her bagel off and threw it over the side. She laughed when they raced to her side to fight over the bagel. “That is just too funny.”

  Sam placed his coffee cup on the cockpit seat and then climbed the ladder. “What’s all the laughing about?”

  “Sam, I’m feeding the ducks with Leona.”

  “So I see. I take it you both slept well?”

  Leona nodded that she had, while Cassie giggled when she told him, “I slept like a log, not that I’ve ever seen a log sleep.”

  The trio lounged around the boat soaking up the sun. At noon, Sam announced to his crew it was time to weigh anchor and head back into Fells Point.

  Cassie giggled, “I didn’t know you had a scale on the boat.”

  “Oh my lady, what would a boat be without an anchor scale on board? The term refers to pulling up the anchor.”

  “Sam, let me get the dishes in the galley washed before we start sailing.” Leona went below changed her clothes and then set about washing the dishes. When she looked up from the galley sink, she saw that Cassie had changed her clothes as well.

  Leona climbed into the cockpit and started the Cream’s engine. “Sam, I’m ready whenever you are to pull the rode in.”

  Cassie asked Leona, “Is the ‘rode’ that rope Sam’s pulling?”

  “Yes, that rope is called an anchor rode. You’ll also hear it called the anchor line.”

  Cassie watched as Sam went onto the bow to pull in the anchor rode. She leaned over the side and saw that when the rode was straight in the water he put his hand up and pointed forward. Leona slipped the engine into forward and the boat inched forward slowly. Sam then held his hand up straight. Cassie was fascinated as she watched Leona take the boat out of gear while Sam was dipping the muddy anchor in and out of the water. She watched as he continued putting the anchor under water and the raising it out until the anchor was clean. Once he laid the anchor on the bow’s deck, he motioned for Leona to move forward.

  While Leona drove the boat into the main channel, Cassie watched Sam take a scrub brush and a bucket out of the anchor locker. He tossed the bucket overboard and pulled the full bucket back onto the boat. He scrubbed mud off the anchor with the brush. Then he washed the muddy deck down with the water in the bucket. He put the bucket and scrub brush back in the locker, but tied the anchor down on a cleat on the boat’s bow.

  Cassie asked Leona, “Why didn’t Sam put the anchor back into the locker?”

  “The anchor line is wet and if he puts it away wet, it’ll start to stink. When it’s dry, he’ll put it away.”

  As soon as the Cream cleared the white rocks in the river, Sam set sails and Leona cut the engine. The air was out of the north, so the boat reached up the river on one tack.

  When the boat was secure in her slip, Sam suggested that he take Cassie to Sue’s house while Leona unpacked the perishables.

  Leona walked to the car with them. “Cassie, I am so glad you came with us for the weekend.”

  Cassie hugged her, “Thank you for asking me. I really needed a weekend away more than I even knew.”

  “I’ll see you next Saturday.”

  “That’s a date I’ll be able to keep.”

  Chapter Eleven

  October 2001

  The week went by too fast for Leona, but by Friday afternoon, her boat clothes for the honeymoon were packed and she finally found the white sweater she wanted to wear to her wedding. Leona had gone shopping for Sam’s wedding band, which she tucked into her jean’s pocket. She double-checked everything on her list. She was all set.

  Sam was sleeping on the sofa when she went down to make lunch.

  “Sam, wake up, I need ask you a question. Should I stay at my mother’s house tonight?”

  His voice, groggy from sleeping, asked, “Why would you do that?”

  Leona stood in front of him with her hands on her hips, “Sam, the groom’s not supposed to see the bride before the wedding.”

  Sam took her hands into his and asked, “Darling, are we going to be that formal? I had plans for the two of us for our last night as single people.”

  “Does that mean you’re planning to take me out for dinner?”

  “That might be a good start for the evening.”

  “Sam, are you all packed?”

  Before he answered her, he realized that opposites are definitely attracted to one another. He tended to be a casual laid back kinda guy, while the love of his life was an OCD check off list kinda girl. He chuckled, as he answered her, “Not yet.”

  “Then get yourself up those stairs and pack. We have an early flight Sunday morning.”

  “Yes ma’am”

  Leona lay in bed as long as she could Saturday morning. She gave up trying and made coffee before dawn. When Bailey didn’t follow her to the kitchen, she sat on the sofa and drank her coffee watching some early morning news show. As she sipped her coffee, she mentally double-checked everything she’d packed to go away. Did she pack her passport? Leona couldn’t remember where she’d put it. She checked her purse. It wasn’t there. Oh fuck, what did I do with it?

  Sam stumbled down the stairs to find his bride in a state of panic, “What time is it?”

  “It’s coming up on 6:00. Sam, I don’t know what I did with my passport.”

  “Leona, you’ve been up worrying about your passport since what time?”

  “I don’t know, I think since about 4:00. Do you know where my passport is?”

  “Yes ma’am, I do. Pour me a cup of coffee and I’ll tell you where it is.”

  “Sam, this is nothing to joke about. Where’s my passport?”

  Sam chortled, “Sweetie, we put both passports in my laptop case, remember?”

  “Oh yes, I remember now. I’ll get your coffee. Sam, everyone’s getting to Sue’s house around 11:00, so I want to make sure we’re there to greet our guests. That means we need to be on the road by 9:30, okay?”

  “Anything you say is fine with me. We have time to go back to bed for a while, that is if you’re catching my drift.”

  “Sam Marksman, we can’t have sex before our wedding.”

  “Why not, we made love last night, didn’t we?”

  “You are such a scoundrel.”

  “Yes I am, now take my hand and follow me upstairs.”

  When the car pulled onto Sue’s driveway, Leona saw garlands of colorful flowers strung along the fence posts. As they exited the car, she saw the patio set up for the party. There were red clay and ceramic flowerpots surrounding the patio. Neal had created an arch of white morning glories across one end of the patio.

  Sam took Bailey into the kennel, while Sue asked Leona, “So, Ms. Parker what do you think?”

  “It’s just unbelievable, and look at you all dressed up. You look great. The patio looks great. I never expected you to
do all this.” Leona waved her arms around. “It’s just so beautiful. Where’s Cassie and Neal?”

  “They cleaned the dog kennels out for me this morning, so they’re in the house taking showers.”

  Sam laughed aloud, “You’re letting your husband take a shower with your house guest?”

  “Why of course, I am, it saves our precious well water. Leona, you look great, you’re radiating a glow.”

  “Don’t pregnant women radiate a glow? I’m not pregnant.”

  “Then, in that case, you’re a radiant bride.”

  Leona giggled, “Then, thank you.”

  With Bailey safely tucked in the kennel, Sam returned to Leona and Sue on the patio. He pointed to the cars pulling into the driveway. “Leona, the first of our guests are arriving, so would you do me the honor of joining me to greet them?”

  Sue laughed, “Go join him and I’ll go check on Cassie and Neal.”

  Nancy and Bill approached them first, “Well daughter, I am, so happy for you.”

  As she hugged, her daughter, Nancy whispered into her ear, “Sam’s not going to be called away to attend to another emergency today is he?”

  Leona laughed, “We’ll just to have to wait and see. You just never know when those nasty emergencies are gonna creep up and catch you off guard.”

  Leona hugged her mother and her new father, “I’m so glad we’re finally pulling this shindig off. Sue has the bar set up, so please go get a drink.”

  Bill asked, “Leona, You’re serving alcohol before the ceremony?”

  Sam answered him, “Hell yes, we are.”

  Bill laughed, “Congratulations Sam. I think you’re marrying a wonderful woman.”

  “Me too, I guess I’m still in shock that she said yes.”

  Neal and Cassie joined the guests on the patio. After greeting everyone, Neal took his place under arch of morning glories and called everyone to gather on the patio. They stood in a semi-circle around Neal, Leona, and Sam.

  “First, Sue and I would like to welcome you to our home, and please feel free to refresh you’re drinks before I begin the ceremony.”

  Several people refilled their glasses and returned to stand in the semi-circle.

  Neal resumed the ceremony, “We have come together to witness the marriage of Samuel J. Marksman and Leona L. Parker. If that’s not why you’re here today, you’re obviously not at the right party.”

  There were a few giggles.

  “If there is anyone who believes this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may leave now and save face.”

  There was a round of laughter.

  “I’m glad to see that I have your attention. Sam and Leona, will the two of you face one another. Good, Sue has obviously trained you well.” After another round of giggles, Neal continued, “Please take one another’s hands.”

  Sam took Leona’s right hand into his right hand.

  “Sam, I don’t want to criticize, but I meant take both of her hands.”

  Sam chuckled, “Sorry Neal, this is my first wedding.” Sam took Leona’s left hand as he held onto her right hand. Leona looked as though she was about to double over with laughter.

  Neal continued, “Sam, we’ll do you first, do you promise to love Leona for as long as you are married?”

  Sam’s eyes were looking deeply into his bride’s warm brown eyes, “Yes, I promise.”

  “Good, I was hoping you’d say that. Sam, will you cherish Leona, and will you love her for richer or poorer?”

  “Yes sir, I will.”

  “Sam, will you love her even if she maxes out your credit cards with purchases?”

  Everyone including Sam and Leona doubled over with laughter.

  “Sam, marriage is serious business not to be taken lightly, so please answer the question honestly.”

  “Yes sir, I will love Leona even if she maxes out my credit card with purchases.”

  “Sam, I gotta say you’re either full of crap, or you’re a better man than me.”

  The small group of guests applauded.

  Neal looked at the bride, “Leona, it’s your turn. Do you promise to love Sam for as long as you are married?”

  She looked into Sam’s gentle brown eyes, “Yes, I promise.”

  “Will you cherish Sam, and will you love him for richer or poorer?”

  “Yes.”

  “Leona, do you promise to fill Sam’s credit cards with purchases.”

  “It would be my honor.”

  As Shelly yelled, “You go girl!” The guests on the patio applauded.

  Neal continued with the ceremony, “May I have the marriage rings?”

  Leona pulled Sam’s wedding ring from her jean’s pocket and wondered if Sam had gotten her one. She smiled when he reached into his pocket and pulled a ring out. They handed their rings to Neal.

  Neal held up the rings for all to see, “These rings represent the circle of life. We are born, we live, and then we die.” Neal handed the rings back to Sam and Leona.

  “Sam, you may place the ring on Leona’s finger.”

  As Sam slid the ring onto her finger, Leona let out an audible gasp. He told her, “I give you this ring as a sign of my love for you. I was asked by a very kind woman to hold onto it until I found the love of my life.”

  Leona wept openly as she placed Sam’s ring on his finger, “I place this ring on your finger as a symbol of my love for you.”

  Neal spoke, “Good girl. Family and friends, please join hands. Good. Marriage is not always fun and happy. There are days when as a couple, each will wonder what he or she has gotten into. There are days when you will argue. There will be days when you will cry. There will be days when you will laugh. If you share your feelings and thoughts with one another, you will amaze yourselves.”

  “I, Neal Sampson, authorized by the State of Maryland, pronounce you as man and wife. Sam, you may kiss your new bride.”

  After the applause died down, Neal kissed Leona and then Sam. He then announced to the guests, “its party time. If you don’t see something you need, just let Sue or me know.”

  Leona asked Sam as she looked at her wedding band with a deep red ruby, “Who gave this ring to you?”

  “Alice Jones. Before she died she had given it to the trailer manager, and asked her to hold it for me.”

  “You held onto it all this time without telling me?”

  “Yes I did, Mrs. Marksman. The note Alison wrote to go with the ring, said to hold onto until I found my true love, so that’s what I did. That ring belonged to her great-grandmother. ”

  Nancy stepped forward to congratulate her daughter, “Leona, you have a faraway look in your eyes. Are you okay?”

  With tears in her eyes, Leona told her mother, “Ma, I’m better than okay.”

  When the hugs, kisses, and well wishes died down to a dull roar, Leona asked everyone to lift their glass for a toast. “I am, so happy to tell you I’m going to be an Aunt in June.”

  Nancy and Bill looked at one another. If Leona were going to be an Aunt, it’s likely that Zoe or Tara was pregnant.

  “Shelly is pregnant.”

  The small wedding group cheered Shelly and Randy’s good fortune.

  As their guests filled their plates with food, Sam drew Leona off to the side of the patio where he asked, “Mrs. Marksman, are you enjoying your wedding day?”

  “I sure am, Mr. Marksman, and you?”

  “I sure am Mrs. Marksman. As I watch our guests today, I see the love they have given us. I don’t want to get all mushy, but I couldn’t be happier. We are surrounded by the family and friends we love”

  He kissed his bride and wandered off to find a cold beer. Leona hadn’t eaten much food over the last couple of days, so she needed food before she drank any more wine. She filled a plate, and sat in one of the patio chairs. She heard Cassie tell Leona’s mother that she loved living in San Francisco.

  “So my dear, what do you do on the west coast?”

  “I worked in a small bout
ique dress store. The owner couldn’t make the rent, so I was laid off when the shop closed.”

  “How long will you be on the east coast?”

  Cassie’s red curls bounced when she laughed, “Until I’ve worn out my welcome.”

  “Are you planning to relocate to the east coast?”

  “Nancy, I’m not sure what I’m planning. Since I no longer have a job, I have lots of choices.”

  Shelly took a seat next to Leona’s chair. “I’m so happy for you. Show me your wedding ring.”

  Leona held her hand out. “Is this a family ring?”

  “It is. Do you remember that will-probate case John handled last year where someone forged the will?”

  “Maybe, but I’m not sure.”

  “The woman who forged the will was an alcoholic. Her name was Alice Jones. She and Sam quickly became close friends. He and I took her out to lunch one afternoon. Sam went to check on Alice the week after Christmas and learned from the trailer park manager that Alice had passed away. The manager gave Sam a note from Alice along with this ring. Apparently it belonged to her great-grandmother.”

  “I think I remember her, but never knew she’d left a family heirloom to Sam. Did she know she was dying when she testified?”

  “Yes, I think she did. So, tell me how you’re feeling.”

  “I feel fat and scared.”

  Leona chuckled, “You are definitely not fat. At least not yet, you aren't, but you will be. What are you scared of?”

  “Lee, what if I’m a terrible mother? You know how crazy I can be.”

  Leona leaned over and hugged her best friend, “Shell, it’s my turn to tell you, you worry too much. You’re gonna be a great mom.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “I know so.”

  “I love you Lee. I gotta go find my hubby.”

  Leona saw Sam and Cassie taking a walk down the driveway.

  “Cassie, Larry Black with the Bureau in Baltimore is going to coordinate with the US Marshal’s office in Baltimore. A team of deputies will pick you up here at Sue’s and take you to a safehouse in the Atlantic City area. I won’t know where you are and won’t be able to call or talk with you.”