“I had no idea,” she said.
“Edna didn’t know how to handle it. She lost her daughter and looked like she was losing her husband. She sort of went into her own little world. Edna spent her time filling in for Earl at various public functions the mayor would ordinarily attend. As the editor of the local paper, I helped cover up his drinking. We circulated stories that he had a heart condition,” he shook his head. “Little did we know that he was developing one.”
“Did she try to get him some help or was she more concerned with him being mayor?” Mallorie asked more than a little bitterness.
Bud held up his right hand.
“I’m getting to that. During that rough patch of time, Rose filled the void of caregiver. When she agreed to babysit you, she had no idea of the scope of the role she would be filling and honestly, neither did I. My sister Katie and my other niece Violet also helped but Rose did the bulk of it. Earl showed no signs of getting sober – or even wanting to. That’s when Edna left him and took you with her to her sister’s place. That was enough to snap Earl back to reality. He sobered up and got his life straightened up, at least as much as he could in that amount of time. She agreed to come back but only under certain conditions. Edna wanted to control the amount of access to Earl. I was one of those she limited and by extension, Rose was as well. Bill Kantrell was one of the few she allowed in to see Earl on a regular basis,” he explained.
“But you tried to help granddaddy by covering for him,” Mallorie said.
“Edna chose to forget that when she found I tried to talk him into resigning for his own well-being. If you would have seen him after a couple of years of heavy drinking, you would have seen what many of us knew: He was not physically able to hold any office. Edna refused to accept that and viewed several people including me and several city council members as enemies. It was a grudge she held until he had his first heart attack. Later on, I heard from Olen Stone that Edna wanted his wife to be, the caregiver because you only responded to Rose. But that’s not the worst part. For Edna, the worst part was that you called Rose ‘mama’ in front of her,” Bud said.
“So you’re saying she ran off the only mother figure I had out of spite?” Mallorie asked.
“That’s about the size of it,” he said.
“Did...how did Rose take it?” She asked.
“She took it pretty rough and so did Katie and Violet. The girls looked at you as the baby sister they never had,” Bud said as he shook his head in disbelief. “You know, I had forgotten about Rose’s connection to you until recently. I mean, she recovered really well. Not only did she meet Jett and have kids of her own, she also got a Master’s degree in sociology, working as an advocate for children who had no one to take care of them.”
“How did I take it?” Mallorie asked.
He smiled sadly and shook his head.
“I don’t know. I was also banned from seeing you until you bonded with Mrs. Stone. Edna reasoned that seeing me would trigger memories of Rose. By the time Earl started keeping you with him, you had apparently moved on from missing Rose.”
“I just wish I had some memories of...those years. It might sound bad but I’ve never felt close to Granny. I’ve always felt like she wanted to be my mother without actually having any of the responsibility...or the attachment,” Mallorie said.
“It doesn’t sound bad – it just sounds honest. After Rose, Mrs. Stone filled the role of primary female caregiver and after Earl had the heart attack...,” his voice trailed off.
“After that she sent me to the Danville Baptist Girls’ Academy,” Mallorie said.
Bud grunted.
“Nothing says a mother’s love quite like boarding school.”
Her eyes welled up.
“Just to know that someone cared...that’s why those pictures mean so much. I don’t care if it was a teenager that wasn’t even related to me,” Mallorie said.
“You know your mom loved you. She really did,” Bud said.
Mallorie shook her head.
“Then why did she kill herself? Why was she so selfish?” She asked.
“I can’t answer that. I think I was as stunned as Earl. It seemed like she had turned a corner. I thought her grief had subsided a great after you were born. It was just out of the blue and for it to have been an overdose...it just made no sense. I mean, I never knew Marie to drink a beer, let alone use any kind of drug,” he said.
“I’ve never understood it or her,” Mallorie said as she leaned into Bud, who just held her and listened to her sobs.
***
Alicia and Maggie sat in the living room watching television, unwinding a little before bedtime.
“Feel better since you talked to Dan?” Alicia asked.
Maggie smiled faintly.
“Yes and no,” she said.
“If it helps any, he misses you as much as you miss him,” Alicia said.
“I know he does. Oddly enough, it does help,” Maggie said.
Alicia smiled.
“So you’re glad you went with me Saturday morning after all?” She asked.
“I think that’s safe to say. Tell the truth, did you know about the internship ahead of time?” Maggie asked.
“No, I really didn’t. But I know Jett well enough to know that when he heard you were looking for an internship that he would find a way to make you an offer. I didn’t realize he would be so generous,” Alicia said.
“He’s very sweet and kind. It’s hard to believe all of those stories dad used to tell me about the “Silent Killer.” That can’t be the same man,” Maggie said.
“Oh, those stories were true. When he stepped onto a football field he was a beast, just relentless,” Alicia said.
“He doesn’t talk about his playing days much does he?” Maggie asked.
“No. I guess he moved on after the injury,” Alicia said, staring as though she was looking into the past.
“What exactly happened? Dad said Uncle Jett suffered an ankle injury that ended his career but never gave any details,” Maggie said.
Alicia sighed softly.
“Jett injured his ankle in the final game of his junior year. The medical staff took X-rays but nothing showed up – at least according to Frasier Malone, the team doctor. Turns out there was a hairline fracture in the ankle and it didn’t heal properly. The doctor did not disclose that. Instead he kept injecting Jett with painkillers to fight the constant aching. In the third game of his and your dad’s senior year, they were playing Kentucky Commonwealth. It was third and long early in the second quarter. KCU had the ball on its twenty. Jett dropped into pass coverage and immediately went down in a heap. He was rolling back and forth on the ground. Jett took his helmet off and tossed it away. It was plain to anyone watching that he was in agony. I’ll never forget the look on Rose’s face or how pale she got. I was actually worried that she might pass out,” Alicia said.
“He broke his ankle?” Maggie asked.
“No, he obliterated his ankle. The bone shattered into several pieces. Your dad ran out onto the field to check on him and immediately turned and started throwing up,” Alicia said.
“Wow, it must have been bad to make dad sick,” Maggie said.
“It was very bad. We later found out that some of those bone fragments broke through the skin. He was transported to Lexington from the stadium and rushed into surgery. The operation lasted five hours. His ankle is pretty much a series of pins and screws. I’m amazed the man can even walk, much less without a very pronounced limp,” Alicia said.
“Were you at the hospital for the surgery?” Maggie asked.
“Yes. I drove your dad up as soon as the game ended. Rose rode in the ambulance with Jett. The EMTs told the doctors that she held his hand all the way and talked to him and helped keep him from going into shock,” Alicia said.
“And his football career was over,” Maggie said.
“He was devastated at first but Rose kept telling him she wasn’t in love with a linebacker,
she was in love with a man – a man not defined by a sport,” Alicia said.
“How long was his recovery?” Maggie asked.
“It took months and the rehabilitation was grueling. But Rose was right there with him, encouraging him and when she needed to, pushing him. I remember her telling him they were going to walk down the aisle together when they got married,” Alicia said.
“I’m guessing they did,” Maggie said.
“They did. And Jett didn’t even limp,” Alicia said.
“I hate to sound like a lawyer, but did he sue the doctor that misdiagnosed the original injury? Seems to me he had a case,” Maggie said.
“Dr. Malone? There was talk of it but Jett agreed not to if Malone would resign as team doctor and never attempt to hold a similar position anywhere again,” Alicia said.
“That was...forgiving, even noble, I suppose,” Maggie said.
“Your dad said he was nuts – he should have taken him to the cleaners. But if I recall correctly, Dr. Malone was very popular with a lot of the powers that be in Fuson County. He ran into a lot of legal trouble later for over prescribing narcotics. He was essentially helping supply a drug ring with heavy opioids. He lost his medical license and went to prison. I remember J.D. talking about it,” Alicia said.
“I wonder if he’s still in prison,” Maggie said.
“I wonder if he’s still alive. He wasn’t exactly young when he worked with the football team,” Alicia said.
“Uncle Bud would probably know if you really wanted to find out. I think he knows everything that has ever gone on in Crystal Springs,” Maggie said.
Alicia laughed.
“I think you’re right about that. He either knows about it or was part of it,” she said.
“That woman...Mallorie...is it just me or is that just a little strange?” Maggie asked.
“It’s different alright and maybe even a little weird. But if they’re happy, I’m happy for them,” Alicia said.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like Mallorie, I really do. It’s just...,” Maggie said.
“They could each find someone their own age?” Alicia asked.
“Exactly,” Maggie said.
“It’s a funny thing. You don’t always fall in love with the person you expect. Of course, they might not be in love. It could be that they’re just having fun,” Alicia said.
“Mom! Ewwwww,” Maggie said as Alicia laughed.
“Welcome to grown up world,” she said.
“More like sleazy world,” Maggie said as she shuddered.
“Maybe they just enjoy each other’s company,” Alicia said.
“You said something a minute ago. You said ‘you don’t always fall in love with the person you expect.’ Did you expect to fall in love with dad?” Maggie asked.
Again Alicia laughed.
“I didn’t expect a second date. The only reason I agreed to go out with him in the first place was as a favor to Rose. J.D. pestered poor Jett until he begged Rose to convince me to go out with his and I quote, ‘idiot roommate.’ How could I say no to that?” Alicia said.
“You didn’t have a good time?” Maggie asked.
“That depends on your definition of a good time. His idea of dinner and a movie was a drive-thru cheeseburger and a double feature at the Dixie Drive-In. A charming Hong Kong martial arts movie and a sci-fi version of ‘The Alamo.’ Your dad had great taste in films,” Alicia said.
“Sounds charming,” Maggie said.
“Actually, in some ways it was. J.D. had his moments where he was funny and sweet. But he also had those other moments,” said Alicia.
“I’m not sure I need to know those,” Maggie said as she cringed.
“Relax, it was nothing bad. It was just that he could be so...brash and sarcastic. I think Rose was disappointed. When I got back to the dorm, I’d pretty much convinced myself I wouldn’t go out with him again. She was hoping for a magic moment like she and Jett shared on their first date. It didn’t happen,” Alicia said.
“How did he get you to go out with him again?” Maggie asked.
“He called the next day and apologized for his boorish behavior and begged me for a second chance. I figured he did have his moments and if he was willing to grovel for a second date, I could give him another shot. It kind of took off from there,” Alicia said.
“Where was your second date?” Maggie asked.
“We went for a nice dinner at The Blue Lancer and walked over to the Laurel Theater and saw one of the Brat Pack movies. I can’t remember which one – they were all pretty much the same movie,” Alicia said.
“I’m guessing he acted differently on the second date,” Maggie said.
“Much different. He was himself and I liked what I saw. We didn’t fall in love that night but that date set everything in motion,” Alicia said.
“Do you think Dan and I are moving too fast? I mean we’ve only had one real date,” Maggie said.
Alicia walked over and put her arm around her daughter.
“There’s been something between you and Dan since you were kids. You both just finally said out loud what you’ve both known for a long time. You do love him don’t you?” she asked.
“With all of my heart,” Maggie said.
“Then no, you’re not moving too fast. If you’ve found the one, you can’t move fast enough. That’s one thing I’ve learned,” Alicia said.
Chapter Twelve
When Jett’s head hit the pillow, he wondered how long he would toss and turn before he would get to sleep. His mind was racing with so many things to discuss with Rose, he tried to calm himself so that sleep would come.
He rolled over and next to him in bed was the love of his life. She had a serious look on her face.
“I don’t know what she’s up to but she’s not going to involve our boys,” Rose said.
“So you know about the dream and the picture?” Jett asked.
Rose reached and stroked his face with her left hand and smiled softly.
“Yes sweetie and I’ve been watching the boys tonight. They’re okay. Don’t worry. Dan’s dreaming about marrying Maggie and...Well, there’s certain things a mother does not need to see,” she said as Jett snorted.
“What about Matt?” He asked.
“Oh, Matt’s dreaming about running for governor. I’m starting to worry about the influence Violet’s had on him,” Rose said as her brow furrowed.
Jett chuckled again.
“Okay, then let’s talk about how to face this problem together,” he said as he leaned over and kissed her. “Hi, by the way.”
“I’m sorry baby. I know this isn’t what you were hoping for tonight,” she said.
“No, but we do need to talk about this,” Jett said.
“I have an idea. But I’ll need your help as well as Bud’s,” Rose said.
“Consider it done,” he said.
“Don’t getting gung ho so fast. This will not be easy - especially for Bud,” she said.
“What do you have in mind?” He asked.
“Do you remember what I said about Marie not intending to commit suicide?” Rose asked.
“Yes, a tragic accident,” Jett said.
“It turns out it wasn’t an accident at all. She was murdered Jett.”
“Murdered? Why? Who would anyone want her dead?” Jett asked.
“That’s where you and Bud come in. If anybody can uncover the truth, it’s you two,” she said.
“You said it wouldn’t be easy for Bud. What do you mean?” He asked.
“It means he’ll have to look at friends and his own past. He might not like what he sees,” Rose said.
“How do you know these things? Can you look back in time and see?” Jett asked.
“I can only look back at my own life,” she said.
“So you can’t see my future?” He asked.
“No but even if I could, it’s changeable. Remember, you have free will to make your own choices,” Rose said.
Je
tt thought about her words.
“How do you know about Marie?” He repeated.
She took his hands into hers and looked him in the eye.
“I talked to her. I saw what she did with Matt. I will protect our boys,” Rose said.
“You fought her?” Jett asked.
“No...I confronted her. That’s when I found about the murder and the reason for her bitterness,” she said.
“Then tell me who did it so I’ll know where to start gathering evidence,” he said.
“I can’t. Because I don’t know and she’s prevented from doing so. You’ll have to figure it out on your own. That’s why she hasn’t told you, Bud, or anyone that would have the wherewithal to investigate,” Rose said.
“Baby, you keep telling there are things you can’t reveal. What would happen if you did?” Jett asked.
“It would mean we couldn’t communicate again until you join me on this side of life,” she said somberly. “And baby I don’t want to wait another day after we spent so long apart.”
“Me either,” he said as he pulled in for a tight embrace. “I don’t want either of us to endanger this.”
“That’s why you need to figure this out for yourselves,” Rose said.
“Can Marie do anything to harm you or the boys?” Jett asked.
“She can harm any of us – you included – if she’s willing to pay the price,” Rose said.
“She can harm you?” He asked in surprise.
“Marie can end our time together now. Of course the cost of that is it ends her time here as well,” Rose explained.
“And if she harms the boys?” Jett asked.
“Marie would risk joining her finance,” she answered with a slight shudder.
“Can you...exact a promise from her? I will get to the bottom of this in exchange, she is not to bother you or the boys,” he said.
“I’ve already made a deal with her. The boys will be left alone. She’ll communicate with you through or with me. But you have to find the killer,” Rose said.
“I’m new at this...paranormal/multi-dimension stuff...but I thought she couldn’t communicate with anyone except a spouse or her immediate family,” Jett said.
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