Dust and Roses

by Wes Brummer

  “Not anymore, Pastor. Meredith terminated the broadcast.”

  Daddy brushed a hand across his discolored face. “Why would the Snow Queen terminate the broadcast?”

  Jeremy looked away. “Go home, Sam. We’ll sort this out tomorrow.”

  Her father gritted his teeth. “We’ll sort this out right now. Is the Queen still on the backline?”

  Jeremy nodded, handing the headset to her father.

  He donned the device, picked up the hand microphone, and rasped some words into the device. Daddy bowed his head, holding the headset with both hands. He stayed like that for a full minute.

  Afterward, he removed the headset, rubbing his left arm. Then, he crumpled to the floor.

  Chapter Sixty-Five

  Thursday, May 23, 1935

  Sara blew out the single candle on her birthday cake as the six others in the McGurk kitchen finished singing.

  “Happy birthday, dear Sara. Happy birthday to you.”

  Twenty-four years old! She never thought she would spend her birthday at home. Not after what happened eleven days ago. She gazed around the kitchen. A folding card table extended the seating space to eight. On her right sat Gerald Bigger, his wife Lois, and Michael. On her left were Gladys Pickering, Jason, and her mother. Daddy will soon sit adjacent to Mother at the foot of the table.

  “Did you make a wish?” Michael leaned forward, fork in hand. “You need to tell us what it is.”

  Katherine passed a long-bladed knife to Jason. “A mother-to-be has only one wish. Sara, will you cut the cake? I need to help your father.”

  Jason passed the knife to Gladys who handed the utensil to Sara. “How is Pastor, Mrs. McGurk?” Gladys asked.

  “Since his stroke, Sam has been able to get around with a walker, though his right side is weak. And he can’t use his writing hand. That reminds me. Sara, leave your father’s slice on the cake platter. He’ll eat later.”

  “Why, Mom?”

  “He doesn’t want me to feed him in front of company.”

  “That’s silly.”

  “We must respect your father’s wishes.”

  Gladys received a slice of cake and passed it on. “How long has Pastor been home, Mrs. McGurk?”

  “Riverside Hospital released him two days ago.”

  “Is he able to talk?” Gerald Bigger waved off his wife’s finger to her lips.

  “Sam can say two or three words at a time. Sometimes they’re jumbled and don’t make sense, so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t answer questions. That makes it hard to know what he remembers.”

  Sara cut more pieces of cake, passing the dessert plates to Gerald Bigger and Gladys.

  Katherine handed Michael his slice. “Don’t be alarmed if Sam appears irritated. He doesn’t think he’s a whole person anymore. We have many changes to get used to.”

  Gerald picked up his fork. “We’ll treat Sam with respect, Katherine.”

  “Thank you. He’s been quiet since coming home. Meek, really. He’s never mentioned the broadcast. On the other hand, he’s more curious about the rest of us—like a man who just woke up and discovered he has a family.” Katherine wiped a glistening tear. “I have to go. He doesn’t like being alone for very long.” She stood and hustled from the kitchen.

  Sara set the knife aside. “This morning Daddy held Mother’s hand at breakfast. I’ve never seen that before.”

  Michael thumped his fork. “Can we eat now?”

  Sara rolled her eyes. “Dig in, Michael.”

  Lois Bigger glanced down the hallway. “I think your mother is holding up well with the new responsibilities of looking after Sam.”

  Sara rose to her feet and put the remains of the cake under its glass dome. “Daddy needs lots of help. The boys and I do what we can to ease the burden on Mother. We’re talking to each other more. And we’re not arguing as much.”

  Gladys touched Sara’s arm. “Has he mentioned anything about the Mailroom?”

  “No. Although he could have and we misunderstood.”

  “There’s a reason why I’m asking. An avid group of listeners is waiting for Pastor to return to local radio. Some even think the broadcast was all staged—part of a radio drama.”

  Sara’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking! Daddy can’t form a full sentence. The few words he can say aren’t always sensible.”

  “You could help us write a letter explaining his condition. Marilyn and Sylvia would love to see you back at work.”

  “You don’t need me. The radio station canceled Daddy’s show. Hasn’t the mail fallen off?”

  “Oh, no. Mail is up. Eight hundred letters a day are pouring in—with no end in sight. I’ve hired new help, but we’re still behind. Come downtown. Even if it’s only for a few hours a day. We need you. Donations have gone through the roof.”

  “Are listeners still giving to Daddy’s church?”

  Gladys shrugged. “Some. Most folks are sending money in to pay for Pastor’s doctor bills. I’ve put the money in the bank. Eddie said we’re not having that kind of cash sitting in the house.”

  Sara squeezed her eyes shut. “I can for a few days, but I’m leaving next week to visit my aunt and uncle in Hutchinson for a few months.”

  Gladys drew back. “Why? Your father’s not in a position to force you to leave—”

  “Daddy doesn’t know I’m with child. The stroke has left him with a hole in his memory. He draws a blank when it comes to recent events. It makes no difference. This is my decision. My choice. I’m going to have the baby in Hutchinson. When I return, I can think about a normal life again.”

  Gerald and Lois’s eyes met. Mrs. Bigger turned to Sara. “What will become of the child?”

  Sara heaved a heartfelt sigh. “I’m giving the baby over to a children’s home. It was a hard decision to make. Daddy has destroyed himself. Sometimes, I find myself wondering: if I gave up the baby from the beginning, would events have turned out differently? Impossible to say. All I know is this child may be better off with a different mother.”

  Lois Bigger gasped as her hand sought Gerald’s. “Don’t say that! And don’t give up the baby. I implore you. This is our only chance at having a grandchild. We can’t tell you what to do, but we can’t bear to see our grandchild disappear. Promise to keep an open mind.”

  Sara peered at the couple. Since her return from the tenant house, the decision to give up the child seemed clear. Now, Larry’s parents were anticipating the baby’s arrival the way Larry should have. She must offer some glimmer of hope for these good people, even if she saw no other recourse. “I’m not due until November. Nothing can happen until then. I promise not to be hasty.”

  Gerald gave a solemn nod. “Thank you, Sara.”

  The mercantile owner showed streaks of gray Sara never noticed before. The lines under his eyes were deeper. Mother said he wasn’t spending as much time at the store, and some of the lights in the ceiling were out. The loss of Larry must have hit hard.

  Lois Bigger pursed her lip. “What I find odd is that KSKN has not said much about Pastor since the station canceled his show. On the other hand, newsies from other stations are having a field day taking shots at him, especially that awful man, Walter Winchell.”

  Sara sighed. “We’ve stopped listening to the news. Mother made a point of unplugging the radio the day Daddy came home. She also canceled the newspaper subscription.”

  “Then you haven’t heard the latest.” Gerald extended his hand. “It seems the Joshua County Commissioners voted unanimously to cancel the closure of the poor farm. In a left field sort of way, your father may have saved that place.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Sara shook her head. All these changes were hard to sort out.

  A hallway door opened and a steady thump-thump-thump approached the kitchen. With a determined look on his face, Sam McGurk lurched forward with each step of his walker, arriving at the foot of the table. Sara jumped to her feet and rushed to take her father’s arm. Katherine pulled her hu
sband’s chair in place as he dropped in his seat. Katherine retook her seat and gestured across the table. “Sam, this is Gerald and Lois Bigger. They own Bigger’s Mercantile downtown. And sitting by Jason is Gladys Pickering. She and Sara went to school together.”

  Sam peered at Gladys as if trying to place her. His head bobbed in recognition. “Schoolgirl.” He held a shaky finger and grinned. “Troublemaker.”

  Gladys leaned back in her seat. “I’m married now with two children. I haven’t pulled a school prank in years.”

  Katherine flashed a bittersweet smile. “Sam remembers you girls growing up together.”

  Gerald peered at the pastor. “Sam, I have a few questions for you. I know it’s hard for you to let us know what you’re thinking. So answer with a nod or a shake.”

  McGurk sat unmoving, one eye bright with expectation.

  “Did you know I had a son?”

  Sam bobbled his head. Yes.

  “Did you know he died?

  A moment’s hesitation, then a sway of the head. No.

  Gerald touched Sara’s arm. “Look at this young lady. Is she your daughter?”

  Yes.

  “Did you know my son and your daughter were seeing each other?”

  No.

  “They were. Now look at your daughter, Sam. Really look. Do you see fullness? A radiance? What could that mean, Sam? What’s the only possibility?”

  Sara’s mouth went dry. Dear God, don’t let it happen again.

  Katherine gasped. “He doesn’t know!”

  Gerald leaned forward. “If I were in his shoes, I’d want to know. Don’t protect him. The man deserves some dignity.”

  Katherine thrust out her hand in a signal to stop. “I can’t allow this. We’ve been through too much.”

  “Gerald’s right. Daddy deserves to know.” Sara sensed an inner calm she’d never felt before. For the second time, she told her father of the baby.

  Gerald clasped his hands together. “I envy you, Sam. My son is dead. He never met my expectations when he was alive, but I’d gladly take him back, faults and all if I could. But you have a second chance. Sara is alive. And we can be grandfathers together. I’ll have to take up fishing. And you will, too. Our wives shouldn’t be the only ones spoiling our grandchild.”

  Sam gazed ahead. The right side of his face sagged. His left side showed no expression. Did Daddy understand? Was he upset? She should tell him of her plans to leave. Anything to appease him.

  Sam’s head slowly dropped to his chest. Sleeping?

  “Don’t be alarmed,” Katherine said. “The doctors warned us that social gatherings would tire him.”

  “It was the right decision to tell Sam about the child,” Gerald said. “Sleeping on it could be a good sign.”

  Lois said, “We’re sorry for disturbing Sam. Sara’s child means a lot to us.”

  Katherine grasped her husband’s limp hand. “Sam reacted harshly when he first heard of Sara’s baby. I don’t want events to repeat themselves.”

  Knocking came from the front door.

  Jason glanced at her. “Who can that be?”

  Sara got to her feet. “Probably another newshound. I’ll get rid of him.” Sara crossed to the living room. A man stood behind the thin curtain covering the front door window. Sara opened the door.

  “Hi, Sara.” Wendell Krause stood before her, wearing his Homburg and a rumpled suit. He fumbled in a hip pocket and produced a small square box. “This is for you.” He opened the lid. Inside was a simple band with a small green stone. “I couldn’t afford a diamond ring, but the stone matches your eyes. Will you marry me?”

  She took the ring from the box and tried it on. “A little big, but I know a place that can fix it.” Sara stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind her.

  “Do you like it? The jeweler called it green amber—”

  She rushed into his arms, knocking his hat to the porch. Her lips met his with a fiery kiss that raised his eyebrows. “Hold me,” she whispered in his ear. “Don’t talk. Just hold me. And the answer is yes.”

  Wendell drew her close.

  She rested her head on his shoulders, smiling. Late at night, she had imagined this moment, but never dreamed their reunion would happen. Wendell was the answer to everything.

  He sighed. “What do you think about a wedding at the tenant house?”

  She tapped his chest. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I have to ask you something first.”

  “Sure. Anything.” He stepped back.

  “I’ve been waiting eleven days. What took you so long?”

  “Today’s your birthday. Mrs. Eisner said so. I figured my best chance of finding you would be on your birthday.”

  “You could have come sooner.”

  Wendell rubbed his neck. “Since the broadcast, the tenant house—the entire area—has been in an uproar. Newspaper reporters, radio people, even newsreel photographers, have swarmed the county. A constant parade of vehicles passed in front of the tenant house every day. Then, there are the letters. I’ve been overwhelmed with mail. The other commissioners as well. Much of it demanding we reinstate the county farm. Last week, the commissioners voted to table the closure. For now, at least, the farm is out of danger. But I need your help. The matron has parcels and bags of letters stacked in her office, and she’s running out of space.”

  “Welcome to my world.”

  “I’m serious. Some of the letters—quite a few really—contain cash. This whole letter business is taking up a lot of her time. She’s demanding I do something about it.”

  “Hire a secretary.”

  “I intend to.” Wendell retrieved his hat, holding it in his hand. “Sara, will you take the job and return with me back to Joshua? Mrs. Eisner told me she’d send Patrick if you said no. I’m offering you a paid position to manage the mail and keep the reporters at bay.”

  “Will I be staying at the tenant house?”

  Wendell nodded. “Unless you’d rather stay in town.”

  “Will Mrs. Eisner allow me to stay until the baby arrives?”

  “Of course she will. And I have an idea about that. We can talk about it later.”

  Sara shook her head. “No. You can tell me now.”

  His gaze wandered to the street. “It’s just an idea. Mrs. Eisner still has you on the books as Sara McGuire. You’d continue to stay at the tenant house under that name and have your child there. Gloria is a trained nurse, and Dr. Zwiefel is a phone call away. At some point after the baby is born, Sara McGuire will disappear, leaving the baby behind. After we’re married, we adopt the child. You won’t have the worry of gossipers counting the months on their fingers and making those knowing nods.”

  Sara thought it through. “No, I can’t hide behind a story like that. When our child ever asks how we came to be married, I’m going to tell her the truth. Maybe it will break the string.”

  “The string?”

  “The past repeating itself.”

  “People may call you a tramp.”

  Sara grinned. “Some of my favorite people are tramps.”

  The front door opened. Jason and Michael stared at the couple. “Mr. Krause? Sara? Is everything okay?” Michael asked.

  Sara beamed. “Couldn’t be better.” She held out her hand, showing the ring. “Everyone is here. Let’s go inside and make an announcement.”

  Michael looked puzzled. “What’s going on?”

  “You and Jason are going to be uncles after all.”

  Forty minutes later, Gladys stood by the back door of the McGurk kitchen, pinning on her hat. A Model T sat in the driveway with its motor running. “Write to us, Sara. The girls will want to hear from you.”

  “I’ll do that, Gladys. I’m glad you came.”

  “It was swell. Did I tell you Eddie is teaching me how to drive? Marilyn, Sylvia, and I may wind up on your doorstep soon. You can show us around on that farm.”

  “Be sure to bring an old pair of shoes.”

  Al-ooo-ga!<
br />
  Gladys patted her cap, a feminine Robin Hood style with a small silk flower. “That’s Eddie being impatient. Someday, I’d like to stuff chewing gum in that car horn. Is my hat too tilted?”

  Sara stifled a grin as she embraced her friend. “You look fine. Tell Eddie hello. Oh, and tell Marilyn and Sylvia I’ll visit the Mailroom in a couple of months. Michael’s birthday is in July.”

  “Will do. Hang on to that man,” Gladys whispered. “He’s no Doc Savage—more like Johnny Littlejohn—but he’s a keeper. Take care.” Gladys dashed out the door, wiping her eyes, as the car horn blared again.

  Gerald Bigger took his derby off a peg in the kitchen and shook Wendell’s hand. “It’s good to meet you again, young man. I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other in the months to come.”

  “It would be my pleasure, sir.”

  Gerald smiled. “No need to be so formal. I miss not having a son. Call me Dad.”

  Wendell blinked. “Yes, sir…Dad. I’ll do that.”

  “I’m serious. What do you plan on doing after being a commissioner?”

  Wendell looked down. “I don’t know. Find work―”

  “Call me. I want the father of my grandchild to have a steady job. It’s important. When Larry died, I nearly gave up, and the store shows signs of my neglect. I even considered selling the store. My wife talked me out of it, though. I suspect she doesn’t want me at home feeling sorry for myself. Since then, mail order sales have taken off, and Jason is keeping my delivery trucks running. Where is Jason?”

  Katherine washed the last plate and gave it to Lois Bigger to dry. “The boys made their escape upstairs.”

  Lois stepped over to Sam, still sitting at the table. She gave him a light hug. “You get better, Pastor.”

  Gerald donned his hat. “Ready, dear?”

  “Ready.” She moved to join her husband and then stopped. “I almost forgot. Wendell? Did the farm get the plumbing and the radio?”

  Wendell glanced at Sam. “WPA will complete the plumbing. The residents still don’t have a radio.”

  Lois smiled. “I think we can remedy that. Walk out to the car with us. We can talk details.”

  Wendell nodded. “Glad to.”